HOUSTON, May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Persona AI today announced a research and development collaboration with Under Armour (NYSE: UAA) to learn how advanced performance materials will support the next generation of humanoid robotics operating in demanding environments.

The robots made by Persona AI will operate in physically intensive, high-risk environments such as welding, heavy manufacturing, extreme heat exposure, and hazardous material handling. This automation is designed to reduce strain and improve safety for human workers. Through this collaboration, Persona AI is working to establish a global standard for robot-specific performance gear, ensuring the next generation of humanoids is as protected, agile, and resilient as the humans they support.

As Persona AI continues to develop and test its systems for industrial applications, the company is evaluating how external material layers may enhance durability, thermal regulation, and overall humanoid performance in real-world conditions. This collaboration brings together Persona AI's robotics expertise and Under Armour's innovative approach to creating materials designed for high-performance use.

The joint effort focuses on early-stage research and testing, examining how different textiles behave under conditions such as heat, friction, repetitive motion, and more. "We chose to work with Under Armour because of their track record of innovation with these types of performance materials," said Nicolaus Radford, CEO of Persona AI. "As we develop humanoids for intense and potentially hazardous environments, this collaboration helps us understand how advanced materials can enhance long-term reliability, thereby informing solutions to better protect workers in the field."

"This is an opportunity to apply our innovation expertise in a new context," said Kyle Blakely, Senior Vice President of Innovation, Design Studio, Development, and Testing at Under Armour. "Robotics presents a fascinating new design challenge, and we aim to play a leading role in shaping performance solutions for these environments. As humanoid systems take on more physically demanding roles, we see real potential to create new market opportunities, and we're exploring how concepts like thermal management, abrasion resistance, and flexibility translate beyond sport."

About Persona AI, Inc.

Persona AI, Inc. a pioneering robotics company headquartered in Houston, Texas, is at the forefront of developing intelligent humanoid robots specifically designed for a wide array of industrial applications.

Persona AI leverages a rich heritage of expertise, drawing from decades of experience in crafting sophisticated robotics for demanding environments, including space and deep- ocean exploration. This unparalleled background enables the company to address real- world labor challenges with innovative and robust solutions. Learn more about Persona AI

persona.ai

Persona AI Media Contacts

Jared Bruder

Director of Marketing

Persona AI

pr@persona.ai

713.305.6158

Jonathan Reichel

Principal Marketing Architect

Persona AI

reichel@persona.ai

(409) 549-3892

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c38c6044-4531-4ca1-aa5d-e8251d3e8f5e

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

BEIJING, May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hari ini diperingati sebagai Hari Ibu. CGTN menerbitkan sebuah artikel khusus yang menyoroti kisah inspiratif para ibu di Tiongkok yang mengabdikan diri tanpa pamrih bagi anak-anak mereka dan negara. Kisah ini menegaskan besarnya peran seorang ibu dalam membentuk generasi masa depan. Secara khusus, artikel tersebut mengulas ikatan mendalam antara Presiden Tiongkok Xi Jinping dan ibundanya, Qi Xin, yang menunjukkan bagaimana sikap patriotisme, ketangguhan, dan gaya hidup sederhana Qi Xin, yang tercermin melalui tutur kata maupun keteladanan pribadinya, turut membentuk nilai-nilai, pendekatan tata kelola, serta filosofi kepemimpinan presiden Xi yang berorientasi pada rakyat.

"Di dunia yang besar ini, saya mungkin ibarat sehelai bulu kecil. Meski demikian, saya ingin bulu kecil ini membawa harapan akan perdamaian," tulis He Zhihong, seorang tentara penjaga perdamaian asal Tiongkok yang gugur saat bertugas pada usia 35 tahun, dalam buku hariannya. Ia gugur dalam gempa bumi saat menjalankan misi pemeliharaan perdamaian PBB di Haiti, meninggalkan seorang putra berusia 4 tahun, suami tercinta, serta kedua orang tuanya yang telah lanjut usia.

Selama penugasannya, ia memimpin satu regu pasukan pemeliharaan perdamaian perempuan serta menjadi penerjemah bagi delegasi Tiongkok yang berkunjung. Ia juga berinisiatif menggelar kegiatan pertukaran budaya dan kemah terbuka untuk mempererat kerja sama dengan unit-unit pemeliharaan perdamaian lainnya. Di samping itu, ia mengajarkan bahasa Mandarin kepada para pelajar setempat, yang menumbuhkan sikap saling pengertian antarbudaya.

Sebagai sosok ibu yang heroik, pengorbanannya meninggalkan kesan mendalam di hati hadirin ketika Presiden Tiongkok Xi Jinping menyampaikan kisahnya dalam pidato pada Sesi Debat Umum Sidang Majelis Umum PBB ke-70 di New York pada bulan September 2015.

Kisahnya menjadi salah satu dari banyak cerita mengharukan tentang para ibu di Tiongkok yang kerap disampaikan presiden Xi selama bertahun-tahun. Tokoh lainnya antara lain Zhao Yiman (1905?1936), seorang martir nasional yang dihormati dan dieksekusi oleh pasukan Jepang pada usia 31 tahun setelah mengalami penyiksaan keji, serta Deng Yufen (1891?1970), seorang ibu yang memberangkatkan suami dan kelima anaknya ke garis depan pertempuran untuk melawan pasukan militer Jepang.

Perempuan-perempuan ini tidak hanya menjadi teladan pengabdian dan pengorbanan bagi negara, tetapi juga memperlihatkan betapa besar pengaruh seorang ibu dalam membentuk karakter dan semangat anak-anaknya.

Xi dan sang ibunda

Ibunda presiden Xi sendiri, Qi Xin, juga meninggalkan pengaruh yang mendalam bagi anak-anaknya. Ia bergabung dengan Partai Komunis Tiongkok (PKT) pada tahun 1939, melewati berbagai penderitaan dalam perjuangan melawan penjajah Jepang, serta mengabdikan diri selama bertahun-tahun di tingkat akar rumput pada basis-basis revolusioner di pedesaan.

Dedikasi Qi terhadap kedaulatan dan perdamaian Tiongkok, serta kedekatannya dengan masyarakat kelas pekerja, menjadi sumber inspirasi yang mendalam bagi Presiden Xi.

Sejak kecil, ibunda Xi telah menanamkan pada diri putranya nilai-nilai patriotisme dan ketangguhan. Suatu ketika, ia pernah menggendong Xi ke sebuah toko untuk membelikan buku tentang Yue Fei, seorang panglima militer abad ke-12 yang dikenal karena kesetiaannya. Qi menceritakan kepada Xi bagaimana ibunda Yue Fei menato punggung putranya dengan kalimat yang bermakna "mengabdi kepada negara dengan kesetiaan sepenuh hati" untuk mendorongnya melawan penjajah asing. Saat Xi bertanya seberapa sakitnya proses tersebut, Qi menjelaskan bahwa meskipun penuh rasa sakit, Yue Fei sangat menghayati maknanya. Sejak saat itu, Xi menjadikan kata-kata tersebut sebagai prinsip panduan dalam kehidupannya.

Pada 1969, ketika Xi memasuki masa remaja, Qi memberikannya sebuah peralatan jahit sederhana. Ia menyulam tulisan "niang de xin" (hati seorang ibu) dengan benang merah pada alat jahit tersebut. Hadiah tersebut bertujuan untuk memberikan semangat kepada Xi yang bersiap meninggalkan Beijing menuju Desa Liangjiahe di Provinsi Shaanxi, Tiongkok barat laut untuk merasakan langsung kehidupan di desa. Setelah hidup dan bekerja bersama warga desa?makan dan tidur bersama mereka, menggembala domba, memotong rumput, mengangkut pupuk kandang, dan memikul batu bara?Xi mengenang pengalaman tersebut sebagai salah satu pelajaran paling berharga dalam hidupnya, yakni tentang pentingnya mencari kebenaran berdasarkan fakta serta memahami rakyat secara sungguh-sungguh.

Gaya hidup ibunya yang sederhana dan hemat juga meninggalkan pengaruh yang mendalam bagi Xi. Saat Xi bekerja di Zhengding, Provinsi Hebei di Tiongkok utara, pada awal 1980-an, ia masih menggunakan selimut tambal sulam yang dijahit ibunya lebih dari satu dekade sebelumnya dari lebih dari seratus potongan kain tua. Saat seorang pejabat menawarkan untuk membelikannya selimut baru, Xi menolak dan berkata, "Selimut ini masih bagus."

Pada Festival Musim Semi 2001, Qi menelepon Xi, yang kala itu menjabat sebagai wakil sekretaris Komite Provinsi Fujian Partai Komunis Tiongkok (PKT) sekaligus Gubernur Fujian. Sang ibu mengatakan memaklumi bahwa putranya tidak dapat pulang ke Beijing untuk berkumpul bersama keluarga, seraya menegaskan bahwa menjalankan pekerjaan dengan baik merupakan wujud bakti terbesar kepada orang tua.

Dibesarkan dalam lingkungan keluarga seperti itu membuat presiden Xi selalu mengutamakan rakyat. Selama puluhan tahun, ia berpegang teguh pada prinsip bahwa "membawa manfaat bagi rakyat adalah pencapaian terbesar," dengan memperlakukan masyarakat dengan penuh kepedulian layaknya kepada orang tua sendiri serta bekerja tanpa kenal lelah untuk meningkatkan taraf hidup seluruh keluarga di Tiongkok.

Untuk mengetahui informasi selengkapnya, klik

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-05-10/Mother-s-Day-How-heroic-mothers-inspire-Xi-Jinping-1N1ERJsy5fW/p.html

Youtube: https://youtu.be/DoDxYgrAX2w

Kontak: CGTN Digital cgtn@cgtn.com

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

*Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) population to reach 734,100 by 2030, a 33% increase

*Combined net worth of the world's richest will climb to $84tn by 2030

*Nearly 79% are self-made, with just 5% solely inheriting their wealth

MONTREAL, May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Altrata's latest report, Global Citizens: Entrepreneurship, Mobility and the Ultra Wealthy, sponsored by leading investment migration consultancy Arton Capital, has found that 1 in every 5 of the world's UHNW individuals (UHNWI*) are foreign-born**, uncovering the increasingly international character of today's ultra wealthy. The landmark report also found that the UHNW population is set to increase by a third (33%) to reach 734,100 by 2030.

Ultra High Net Worth Population Set for Rapid Expansion

The report forecasts a rapid increase in the net worth of global UHNW individuals. Their combined net worth is set to increase from $63tn in 2025 to $84tn by the end of the decade. By 2030, an estimated 7.7 million individuals will hold more than $5m in assets.

Wealth Creation Dominated by Globally Minded, Self-Made Individuals

Significantly, the research shows that foreign-born UHNW individuals are overwhelmingly 'wealth creators' rather than inheritors. Some 79% are self-made, compared to 16% who attribute their wealth to a combination of entrepreneurship and inheritance, and just 5% whose wealth is fully inherited.

The findings point to a structural shift in how global wealth is created and managed. Personal wealth is becoming less tied to any single nation-state, with the world's richest structuring their lives, assets, and businesses across multiple jurisdictions. This is reflected in how today's UHNW individuals operate globally: 17% own or partially-own businesses headquartered outside their country of residence, while 34% have pursued higher education outside their birth country - underlining that cross-border mobility is not incidental, but embedded in how modern wealth is built.

Taken together, the data reveals a clear relationship between mobility and entrepreneurialism. Internationally mobile individuals are more likely to build businesses, pursue opportunities across borders, and generate their own wealth - reflecting a cohort defined by ambition, risk appetite, and access to global markets. Mobility, in this context, is a key enabler of modern wealth creation.

Cross-Border Lives Become the Norm for the Ultra Wealthy

While wealth is increasingly cross-border, key global cities continue to dominate as primary hubs for UHNW individuals.

London remains a prominent hub for UHNW individuals, particularly those in banking and finance, despite mounting headwinds including tighter tax regimes and trade constraints.

At the same time, the US continues to dominate as the world's leading wealth center, accounting for around 40% of the global UHNW population (205,000), underlining its enduring appeal even amid shifting political dynamics. However, evolving policy conditions may begin to influence future flows, with previous research by Arton Capital indicating that a third of American millionaires*** have considered leaving the USA due to the impact of Trump's presidency.

In the Gulf, Dubai cements its reputation as a "young wealth hub" for global elites, with nearly a fifth (19%) of foreign-born UHNW individuals in the city under 50 years old. Its status, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, highlights a broader trend: UHNW individuals are not retreating from global movement, but becoming more strategic in how and where they deploy it.

Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital, commented: "Global mobility is no longer a byproduct of wealth creation ? it is a strategic asset that underpins it. Today's most successful individuals are not just building businesses ? they are building access: to markets, talent, education, and long-term security across multiple jurisdictions."

"What we are seeing is a decoupling of wealth from geography. The most successful individuals are structuring their lives and assets across multiple jurisdictions, reducing reliance on any single country. The next generation of UHNW individuals is thinking beyond single-country solutions, prioritizing flexibility, resilience, and optionality in how and where they live, invest, and grow their wealth. In an increasingly complex world, the ability to move seamlessly across borders is becoming one of the most powerful tools for preserving and creating wealth."

Moira Boyle, Senior Director, Global Head of Luxury at Altrata, said: "What stands out in this research is the continued rise of entrepreneurial wealth creation at a global level. Nearly 80% of foreign-born ultra wealthy individuals are self-made, reinforcing that today's wealth is increasingly driven by innovation, ambition, and business building.

"At the same time, the UHNW population is expanding rapidly, with total wealth and influence set to grow significantly through the end of the decade. For organizations, understanding who these individuals are and how their wealth is created is essential to identifying opportunity, building relationships, and staying competitive in a fast-evolving market."

Notes to the Editor

*Ultra High Net Worth defined as individuals with more than $30m in net worth.

**Foreign-born wealthy are defined as individuals with more than $30m in net worth who were born outside the country in which they now reside and where their primary business (if they have one) is based.

***Between 9th January 2026 and 14th January 2026, Arton Capital surveyed 1,000 US residents aged 18-70 with a net worth of at least $1 million. 33% of those surveyed said they were more likely to leave the US than they were before the 2024 Presidential election.

****Global citizens is a title term used interchangeably in the report with foreign-born wealthy

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/85811040-92fb-42c9-bb5d-92088ad73e53

Contact: artoncapital@theagencypartnership.com

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

Mavenir Chosen as Strategic Small Cell Partner Following Successful Trial

RICHARDSON, Texas, May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mavenir, the cloud-native software company building AI-by-design mobile networks, today announces that it has been selected as the strategic small cell technology partner by MagtiCom, the largest telecommunications provider in Georgia, for a nationwide small cell deployment project. Mavenir will be supplying its full range of 4G and 5G small cell technology, spanning hardware, software, management, and orchestration solutions.

MagtiCom confirmed Mavenir as its preferred small cell technology partner following a successful trial earlier this year. The countrywide deployment is expected to commence during Q2 2026, starting with beta testing for priority residential, small office and enterprise customers ahead of full roll-out later this year.

MagtiCom offers a comprehensive range of services including mobile telephony, fiber-optic internet, IPTV, and VoIP to more than 3 million customers, consistently maintaining a leading position in the market. The company delivers high-performance connectivity, ranking 6th globally for 5G mobile internet speeds in Ookla's connectivity tests.?

Vasil Melikidze, Chief Technology Officer for MagtiCom commented: "As the country's largest telecom operator, MagtiCom is synonymous with world-class connectivity. Reliable and high-quality mobile internet is now integral to daily life, so we are committed to delivering the best possible experience wherever our subscribers live, work and travel. Partnering with Mavenir as the trusted technology provider for our small cell roll-out significantly strengthens that mission - enabling us to expertly extend capacity, boost indoor coverage, and support the growing demand for high-speed mobile data. This strategic collaboration will enhance the digital experience for our customers and reinforces MagtiCom's role in driving Georgia's next chapter of mobile innovation."

Sachin Karkala, Executive Vice President & General Manager IMS & RAN for Mavenir said: "This national small cell roll-out for MagtiCom really underscores Mavenir's ability to transform the mobile user experience at scale. From residential to enterprise and rural applications, our small cell solutions deliver the capacity, coverage, and energy efficiency operators need in a uniquely accessible form factor? easy to deploy, fully automated, highly scalable, and adaptable. We are proud to partner with MagtiCom to support its innovation agenda, and to help expand high performance mobile connectivity and a superior digital experience for customers across Georgia."

Mavenir's small cell portfolio comprises fully cloud-native solutions that delivers 4G and 5G coverage across indoor, outdoor, enterprise, rural and private network environments. Mavenir's range of software-upgradable small cells is designed to boost capacity and coverage while supporting advanced use cases in sectors including Industry 4.0, healthcare, retail, aviation, maritime and first responder communications.

1. According to data from the first two quarters of 2025, Magti's mobile network was ranked 6th in the world for internet speed -  1 Year with Magti 5G: New Opportunities, Digital Experience, and International Recognition. 

About Mavenir

Mavenir is enabling intelligent, automated, programmable networks through the development of telco-first, cloud-native, AI-by-design software solutions for mobile operators. The company's deep telco domain expertise has been proven through deployments with 300+ operators globally in over 120 countries, which together serve more than 50% of the world's subscribers. Mavenir combines its deep telco experience with the cloud and IT expertise and data science skillsets essential to solving real customer challenges. Its proven software solutions are AI by design, delivering the AI-native future and operators' evolution to TechCos. ​For more information, please visit www.mavenir.com

Media Contacts

Mavenir PR Contacts:

Emmanuela Spiteri

PR@mavenir.com

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

Durham, N.C., May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

AB-1009, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) investigational gene therapy, is being evaluated for the treatment of late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) in the PROGRESS-GT LOPD trial 

AskBio initiated recruitment in the United States earlier in 2026, with enrollment ongoing  

AskBio Inc. (AskBio), a gene therapy company wholly owned and independently operated as a subsidiary of Bayer AG, today announced that the first participant has been dosed with investigational gene therapy AB-1009 as part of PROGRESS-GT LOPD, a Phase 1/Phase 2 clinical trial in participants with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD). 

LOPD is a rare, progressive, debilitating genetic disorder that is estimated to affect at least 5,000 to 10,000 people worldwide.1 While there are multiple approved enzyme replacement therapies (ERTs) with recombinant human acid alpha-glucosidase (rhGAA), there remains a strong level of unmet medical need, as some individuals receiving ERT may experience a decrease in clinical response over time, which can contribute to overall increased treatment demands.2-5 

PROGRESS-GT LOPD (NCT07282847) is evaluating the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of AB-1009 in adult participants with LOPD.6 PROGRESS-GT LOPD is estimated to enroll 12 participants across the United States.6   

"Current treatment approaches may not fully meet the long-term needs of patients, and ongoing research into potential new options remains critical," said Tahseen Mozaffar, MD, Director of the UCI Health ALS & Neuromuscular Center, and Principal Investigator, AB-1009 Clinical Trial Program. "We look forward to advancing the PROGRESS-GT LOPD trial and generating data with the potential to help inform the future of care in the Pompe community." 

AB-1009 was granted United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations.7 The FDA Fast Track process is designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of new therapeutics that are intended to treat serious conditions and fill unmet medical needs.8 The purpose of the process is to get important new therapeutics to patients earlier.8  Therapeutics that receive this designation benefit from eligibility for more frequent meetings with the FDA to discuss the clinical development plan and, if relevant criteria are met, eligibility for Accelerated Approval and Priority Review. Orphan Drug Designation provides orphan status to drugs and biologics for rare diseases that meet certain criteria and potentially gives a company exclusive marketing rights for a seven-year period, along with other benefits.9 Additionally, in January, AskBio announced that the FDA accepted the investigational new drug application for AB-1009.7 

"Reaching this milestone reflects the momentum behind our gene therapy platform and our commitment to working toward improving quality of life for people with rare diseases," said Canwen Jiang, MD, PhD, Chief Development Officer and Chief Medical Officer at AskBio. "The initiation of PROGRESS-GT LOPD marks an important step in the development of AB-1009 and demonstrates our commitment to moving our clinical program forward with determination, to investigate a potential new treatment approach for people living with Pompe disease." 

AB-1009 is an investigational gene therapy that has not been approved by any regulatory authority, and its efficacy and safety have not been fully established or evaluated.  

About Pompe Disease  

Pompe disease is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of the enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA).2 Reduced or absent levels of GAA lead to accumulation of glycogen in cells, which is believed to result in the clinical manifestations of the disease.2 Pompe can be debilitating and is characterized by severe muscle weakness that worsens over time and is accompanied by diaphragmatic involvement, leading to respiratory insufficiency early in the course of the disease.2,3 Pompe disease ranges from a rapidly fatal infantile form, with significant impacts to heart function, to a more slowly progressive, late-onset form primarily affecting skeletal muscle.2 It is estimated that Pompe disease affects approximately 5,000 to 10,000 people worldwide.1

About PROGRESS-GT LOPD 

PROGRESS-GT LOPD is a non-randomized, single-arm, open-label, dose-escalation clinical trial, and evaluates the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of investigational gene therapy AB-1009 in adult participants with LOPD.6  PROGRESS-GT LOPD is estimated to enroll approximately 12 participants across the United States.6  For more information about the PROGRESS-GT LOPD clinical trial, visit clinicaltrials.gov (NCT07282847), or visit askbio.com.  

About AB-1009 

AB-1009 is an investigational adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy being studied for its potential to address LOPD's underlying genetic defect and explore its ability to increase production of the deficient enzyme in people with this disease.7 It is designed to target the disease's underlying cause by enabling sustained production of acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA), the enzyme that is deficient in affected patients.7  

AskBio thanks Genethon, Belief BioMed, and Duke University for their early contributions to AskBio's Pompe disease program. 

About AskBio 

AskBio Inc., a wholly owned and independently operated subsidiary of Bayer AG, is a fully integrated gene therapy company dedicated to steering gene therapy into a new era where it can transform the lives of a wider range of people living with rare and more common diseases. The company maintains a portfolio of clinical programs across a range of disease indications related to a single gene or multiple factors across cardiovascular, central nervous system, and neuromuscular conditions, with a clinical-stage pipeline that includes investigational therapeutics for heart failure, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, multiple system atrophy, Parkinson's disease, and Pompe disease. AskBio's end-to-end gene therapy platform includes our Pro10 technology and Aava manufacturing platform, which make gene therapies more accessible by making research and commercial grade manufacturing more affordable. With global headquarters in Durham, North Carolina, the company has generated hundreds of proprietary capsids and promoters, several of which have entered pre-clinical and clinical testing. An early innovator in the gene therapy field with over 900 employees in five countries, the company holds more than 600 patents and patent applications in areas such as AAV production and chimeric capsids. Learn more at http://www.askbio.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn. 

About Bayer 

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, "Health for all, Hunger for none," the company's products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2025, the Group employed around 88,000 people and had sales of 45.6 billion euros. R&D expenses amounted to 5.8 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com. 

AskBio Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements." Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Words such as "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," "intends," "potential," "possible," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding AskBio's clinical trials. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond AskBio's control. Known risks include, among others: AskBio may not be able to execute on its business plans and goals, including meeting its expected or planned clinical and regulatory milestones and timelines, its reliance on third-parties, clinical development plans, manufacturing processes and plans, and bringing its product candidates to market, due to a variety of reasons, including possible limitations of company financial and other resources, manufacturing limitations that may not be anticipated or resolved in a timely manner, potential disagreements or other issues with our third-party collaborators and partners, and regulatory, court or agency feedback or decisions, such as feedback and decisions from the United States Food and Drug Administration or the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Any of the foregoing risks could materially and adversely affect AskBio's business and results of operations. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. AskBio does not undertake any obligation to publicly update its forward-looking statements based on events or circumstances after the date hereof.

References

United Pompe Foundation. About Pompe Disease. Available at: https://www.unitedpompe.com/about-pompe-disease/. Accessed: May 2026.   

National Organization for Rare Disorders. Pompe Disease. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/pompe-disease/. Accessed: May 2026.   

Toscano A, Rodolico C, Musumeci O. Multisystem late onset Pompe disease (LOPD): an update on clinical aspects. Ann Transl Med. 2019 Jul;7(13):284. doi: 10.21037/atm.2019.07.24.   

Borie-Guichot M, Tran ML, G?nisson Y, et al. Pharmacological Chaperone Therapy for Pompe Disease. Molecules. 2021 Nov 29;26(23):7223. doi: 10.3390/molecules26237223.   

Harlaar L, Hogrel JY, Perniconi B, et al. Large variation in effects during 10 years of enzyme therapy in adults with Pompe disease. Neurology. 2019 Nov 5;93(19):e1756-e1767. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000008441.   

Clinicaltrials.gov. A Study to Evaluate Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of AB-1009 Gene Therapy (GAA Gene) in Adult Participants With Late Onset Pompe Disease (PROGRESS-GT LOPD). Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07282847. Accessed: May 2026. 

AskBio. AskBio Announces FDA Acceptance of Investigational New Drug (IND) Application for AB-1009 Gene Therapy for Treatment of Late-Onset Pompe Disease (LOPD). Available at: https://www.askbio.com/fda-acceptance-of-investigational-new-drug-ind-application-for-ab-1009-gene-therapy/. Accessed: May 2026. 

US FDA. Fast Track. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/patients/fast-track-breakthrough-therapy-accelerated-approval-priority-review/fast-track. Accessed: May 2026.   

US FDA. Designating an Orphan Product: Drugs and Biological Products. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/industry/medical-products-rare-diseases-and-conditions/designating-orphan-product-drugs-and-biological-products. Accessed: May 2026.   

Phil McNamara

AskBio Inc. (AskBio)

+1 (984) 5207211

pmcnamara@askbio.com

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dark Horse Consulting Group ("DHCG" or "the Group"), a leader in strategic and operational biotherapeutics consulting, and KunTuo Medical Research and Development (Beijing) Co., Ltd. ("KunTuo"), a full-service contract research organization (CRO) dedicated to clinical research services in China, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a strategic collaboration aimed at providing biotherapeutics developers with a comprehensive, integrated path to conducting clinical trials in China.

This partnership unites DHCG's comprehensive regulatory, CMC, nonclinical, clinical, quality and compliance, supply chain, commercial launch, and business analytics consulting capabilities with KunTuo's deep clinical research expertise and abundant clinical resources across China. KunTuo, established by IQVIA as a dedicated CRO for the Chinese market, maintains IQVIA's exceptional quality management system and has provided more than 1,000 clinical research services for pharmaceutical and medical device companies in China and abroad since its founding in 2011. Together, the two organizations will offer client companies an integrated pathway from global regulatory strategy through local clinical execution.

For clients seeking to conduct trials in China, one of the most rapidly growing and strategically significant markets for advanced therapies, this collaboration addresses a persistent challenge: navigating the intersection of international regulatory strategy and local clinical operations. To this end, KunTuo brings a dedicated cell and gene therapy clinical team with experience developing and managing complex clinical programs across leading Chinese research institutions, while DHCG brings deep expertise in the regulatory requirements governing trials in China, the expectations of the FDA and other regulatory authorities when evaluating data generated in Chinese clinical settings, and the clinical design considerations necessary to ensure that trial data can be effectively leveraged in future regulatory submissions.

By combining these capabilities under a formal collaborative framework, DHCG and KunTuo will enable sponsors and investigators to move their programs forward with greater speed, confidence, and efficiency, reducing the friction between global regulatory strategy and local clinical execution that can result in delays in trial initiation.

"This MOU with KunTuo represents another meaningful expansion of the integrated solutions we can offer our client partners who are looking to advance their programs in China," said Anthony Davies, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Dark Horse Consulting Group. "KunTuo's experience in cell and gene therapy clinical trials, combined with DHCG's global strategic consulting depth, creates a genuinely differentiated offering for developers at every stage of the development journey."

"Cell and gene therapy represents one of the most promising frontiers in biopharmaceuticals, and we are proud to partner with a consulting organization of DHCG's caliber," said Linda Wang, General Manager of KunTuo. "KunTuo has been building a dedicated clinical team for cell and gene therapy-related products since 2018, and we have taken the lead in this space in China. By joining forces with Dark Horse Consulting Group, we can combine expertise from both sides to provide developers worldwide with a one-stop solution that spans global regulatory strategy, drug development, and clinical trial execution - enabling innovative therapies to reach patients faster and more efficiently."

The collaboration is effective immediately, with joint client engagements expected to commence in the near term.

About Dark Horse Consulting Group

Dark Horse Consulting Group, a worldwide consulting organization with offices in North America, Europe, and APAC, was founded in 2014 with the purpose of accelerating development and delivery of cell and gene therapies through unmatched expertise. Since then, The Group's focus has expanded dramatically, with consulting team subject matter expertise now encompassing strategy, operations, Quality, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, modeling, supply chain, commercial launch, and business optimization across the biopharma landscape. DHCG's white-glove client service is grounded in rigorous scientific and technical expertise to support clients from early discovery through commercial launch. The Group comprises three business units: DHC, BioTechLogic, and Converge Consulting, with Bruder Consulting & Venture Group forming a specialized Regenerative Medicine department of DHC as of early 2026 and CJP joining the group as a Dark Horse Consulting company, also in early 2026.

About KunTuo

KunTuo, as a full-service Contract Research Organization (CRO) specially set up in China by IQVIA (a wholly owned subsidiary of IQVIA) and with a team of nearly 1000 employees, is dedicated to provide high-quality and reliable clinical research services for Pharmaceutical and Medical Device & Diagnostic (MDD) enterprises. Since its establishment in 2011, Kuntuo has provided more than 1000 clinical research services for many well-known pharmaceutical and device companies in China and abroad and now has accumulated rich clinical resources, including more than 10,000 departments' enrollment data and nearly 500 institutions'/departments' process information. Kuntuo inherits IQVIA's sound quality management system and quality standards and provides biomedical enterprises with higher quality and more responsive service model from IND to NDA through the application and optimization of IQVIA's global operation experience and expertise.

Contact

contactus@darkhorseconsultinggroup.com 

+1 408-326-0303 ext. 209

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), today announced a reduction in taker fees for institutional market makers trading stock, metal, commodity, and index futures, as the exchange moves to strengthen liquidity across its expanding multi-asset derivatives offering. The updated fee of 0.0065% will take effect from May 1 through June 30, 2026.

The adjustment comes as trading activity continues to expand beyond crypto-native assets into tokenized stocks, commodities, and indices. Tokenized assets have already surpassed $50 billion in value, with projections pointing toward a $16 trillion growth over the next decade. As institutional participation increases, liquidity and execution efficiency are becoming key factors in how capital is deployed across markets.

Under the updated structure, eligible futures market makers will benefit from reduced taker fees across selected contracts, including stock, metal, commodity, and index futures. The initiative is designed to support tighter spreads, improved order book depth, and more consistent pricing as institutional participation increases across these markets.

"Liquidity is what determines whether multi-asset trading works in practice," said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. "As more institutions move across crypto, equities, and commodities, the focus shifts to execution quality and cost efficiency. This adjustment is aimed at strengthening those conditions as activity scales."

The move builds on Bitget's broader expansion into multi-asset trading under the UEX framework, where users can access crypto, derivatives, and traditional market exposure within a single account. The platform has seen growing traction in this segment, with stock-linked derivatives and commodity products contributing an increasing share of overall trading activity.

As competition for institutional flow intensifies across global venues, fee efficiency and liquidity depth are becoming key factors in where capital is deployed. By refining its fee structure across stock, commodity, and index futures, Bitget is positioning itself to capture a larger share of institutional trading activity in markets that increasingly sit at the intersection of crypto and traditional finance.

To find out more about the fee reduction, 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, 100+ 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 with LALIGA and 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.

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.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d2c06fe2-408d-42e1-aba0-f6bfd576363e

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has introduced its Scan to Pay feature on Bitget Pay, enabling users to spend USDT directly at offline merchants by scanning QR codes through the Bitget App.

The feature is now live across selected markets across Southeast Asia and Latin America at launch, where QR-based payments are widely adopted but access to traditional banking infrastructure remains uneven. By integrating with existing local payment networks, Scan to Pay allows users to complete transactions without changing merchant systems or relying on bank intermediaries.

The launch comes as crypto adoption continues to expand beyond trading into real-world use cases. Emerging markets across Southeast Asia and Latin America have seen some of the fastest growth in digital asset usage over the past year, driven in part by demand for stable, accessible financial tools. At the same time, billions of adults globally remain underbanked despite widespread access to mobile payment systems, creating a gap between financial access and financial usability that new payment models are beginning to address.

Scan to Pay is designed around this intersection. Users can set a payment PIN, scan a merchant QR code, and complete transactions instantly, with USDT converted and settled in the background. The experience mirrors familiar local payment flows, while removing the need for manual off-ramping, bank transfers, or currency conversion steps.

"QR code payments have a strong real life usage with over 2.2 billion people using it globally. There's no reason why crypto shouldn't be a part of it. It naturally fits into how people live, and spend," said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget.

For users in supported markets, the feature enables stablecoins to function as practical spending tools rather than passive holdings. For travelers and cross-border users, it offers a consistent payment experience across regions without reliance on local banking systems. For merchants, integration requires no change in infrastructure, while transactions are settled without exposure to crypto volatility.

The rollout reflects a broader shift in how digital assets are being positioned within financial systems. As stablecoins gain traction as a medium of exchange, their role is expanding from trading pairs to payment rails that can operate alongside existing networks.

Within Bitget's UEX model, where trading, assets, and financial services are brought into a single environment, Scan to Pay extends crypto from portfolio management into daily life. As financial services converge, the distinction between holding assets and using them continues to narrow, moving digital assets closer to everyday money.

To learn more about Scan to Pay, please visit here.

Disclaimer: Scan To Pay is a technical interface provided by Bitget. Payment services are provided solely by third-party payment service providers. Bitget does not provide any payment or fiat transfer services, whether to users or merchants. Bitget is not responsible for any acts or omissions by any third party.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 100+ 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 with LALIGA and 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 | Twitter | 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.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8dc2cb43-8503-4478-a8f9-78b2dd319a1d

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

CGTN published an article examining why the world is closely watching the upcoming China-US summit. Against a backdrop of prolonged geopolitical tensions and fragile global recovery, the article highlights how head-of-state diplomacy serves as the "anchor" of China-US relations. It also explores how the summit could inject greater certainty into an increasingly volatile world.

BEIJING, May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump will pay a state visit to China from May 13 to 15, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Monday.

At a time of prolonged geopolitical tensions and fragile global recovery, the world is closely watching whether the two leaders can further stabilize China-US relations and inject much-needed certainty into the international landscape.

Keeping China-US relations on the right course

For many observers, the summit reflects one core hope: stability in bilateral ties.

Interviews conducted by CGTN show a common view among experts that head-of-state diplomacy has long served as the "anchor" of that stability.

As Wu Xinbo, dean of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, put it, such head-of-state diplomacy "sets the tone and defines the direction" of bilateral ties.

Christopher Newport University's Associate Professor Sun Taiyi similarly noted that direct leader-to-leader communication helps reduce uncertainty, prevent miscalculation and signal that stability remains the overriding priority.

Over the past year, the two leaders have maintained communication through phone calls and a face-to-face meeting in Busan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), helping prevent major miscalculations and keeping the overall relationship stable.

As Xi told Trump in Busan, "In the face of winds, waves and challenges, we should stay the right course, navigate through the complex landscape, and ensure the steady sailing forward of the giant ship of China-US relations."

That metaphor of "steering the ship" has been reflected in concrete progress.

Since 2025, under the strategic consensus reached by the two heads of state, economic teams from both sides have held multiple rounds of talks, while large-scale tariff escalation has been paused. A new round of consultations is set to take place in the ROK from May 12 to 13, just ahead of the Beijing summit.

People-to-people exchanges have also regained momentum. In April, Beijing hosted events marking the 55th anniversary of China-US "Ping-Pong Diplomacy," with hundreds of young Chinese and Americans taking part in sports and cultural exchanges. More US youth groups have also traveled to China for exchange and study programs.

Bringing certainty to a changing world

As the world's two largest economies, and with China-US relations standing as one of the most important bilateral ties globally, outcomes of head-of-state diplomacy between the two countries not only help stabilize bilateral relations, but also have a broader impact on global development and governance.

As Peterson Institute Senior Fellow Chad Bown noted, "virtually everyone has a stake in the outcome." Cornell University economist Eswar Prasad went further, suggesting the meeting could carry implications for global trade, geopolitics and even the "rules-based order."

CGTN interviews with experts highlight the similar points.

Zhang Tengjun, associate research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, said deeper cooperation could inject momentum into global recovery and stabilize industrial and supply chains, stressing that the trajectory of bilateral ties is closely tied to the world's future.

On this point, scholar Sun said that stable relations reduce risks of supply chain disruption, financial volatility and geopolitical fragmentation.

Dean Wu noted that as the world's two major technological powers, China and the United States have the capacity to generate "win-win outcomes" through practical cooperation, supporting broader global growth and scientific progress.

Likewise, Cui Fan, vice dean of the University of International Business and Economics, emphasized that both countries share responsibility for the stability of global governance.

Xi underlined this responsibility in Busan as well: "The world today is confronted with many tough problems. China and the United States can jointly shoulder our responsibility as major countries, and work together to accomplish more great and concrete things for the good of our two countries and the whole world."

This year provides a window for that responsibility to be tested, with China hosting APEC and the United States hosting the G20 Leaders' Summit - two platforms that could open space for coordination on global recovery, food and energy security, debt risks, and governance reform.

In a February phone call with Trump, Xi set out a pragmatic path forward: "If the two sides work in the same direction in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, we can surely find ways to address each other's concerns."

The world will watch the upcoming summit to see how Beijing and Washington can translate into action Xi's call to "make progress step by step to build mutual trust, find the right way to get along, and make 2026 a year where the two major countries advance toward mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation."

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-05-11/Why-is-the-world-watching-the-upcoming-China-US-summit--1N3u9OWFqdq/p.html

Contact:

CGTN Digital

cgtn@cgtn.com

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

The new fermentation plant for biological and biotechnology-based crop protection products in Ludwigshafen strengthens production flexibility and supply chain resilience while giving farmers access to innovative crop protection programs.

*High double-digit million-euro investment to strengthen portfolio of biological and biotechnology-based crop protection solutions

*In-house fermentation strengthens production flexibility and supply chain resilience

*Commercial production of key biological active ingredients started this year

Ludwigshafen, Germany, May 11, 2026 - BASF Agricultural Solutions has successfully commissioned its BioHub, a new fermentation plant for biological and biotechnology-based crop protection products, at the Ludwigshafen site. With an investment in the high double-digit million-euro range, BASF is strengthening its portfolio of biological innovations. The products manufactured at the plant include biological fungicides and biological seed treatment, giving farmers access to innovative solutions that support sustainable, integrated crop protection programs.

The BioHub uses microorganisms to convert renewable raw materials such as glucose into the desired products ? a process known as fermentation.  The production of key biological active ingredients successfully began this year, including the bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, which forms the basis of the biological fungicide Serifel?, and the main building block of Inscalis?, a novel insecticide based on the fungal strain Penicillium coprobium. Bringing this production process in-house strengthens BASF's execution excellence, increases flexibility, and enhances the resilience of supply chains.

"The successful commissioning of the BioHub marks an important step forward in Industrial Biotechnology for BASF Agricultural Solutions," said Dr. Melanie Bausen-Wiens, Member of the Management Board of Agricultural Solutions, in charge of Technology. "By bringing fermentation production in-house, we directly link our expertise in research with industrial-scale manufacturing, allowing us to accelerate and adapt biotechnological innovations."

"The global market for biological crop protection solutions continues to grow steadily," said Maximilian Becker, Member of the Management Board of Agricultural Solutions, in charge of Business. "With this new fermentation plant, we have established a scalable and flexible platform that enables us to strengthen our BioSolutions? portfolio while ensuring a consistent and dependable supply for our customers."

About BASF Agricultural Solutions

Everything we do, we do for the love of farming. Farming is fundamental to provide sufficient and affordable food for a rapidly growing population, while reducing environmental impacts. That's why we are working with partners and experts to integrate sustainability criteria into all business decisions. With ?990 million in 2025, we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, and our solutions are purpose-designed for different crop systems. Connecting seeds and traits, crop protection products, digital tools and sustainability approaches, to help deliver the best possible outcomes for farmers, growers and stakeholders along the value chain. In 2025, our business generated sales of ?9.6 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or our social media channels.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers' green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 108,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of around ?60 billion in 2025. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

Contact:

BASF Agricultural Solutions

Media Relations

Michelle Wolf

Phone: +49 160 91961192

michelle.wolf@basf.com

Attachment

BASF Agricultural Solutions successfully commissions new fermentation plant for crop protection products in Ludwigshafen

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

Origin, price and seasonality: the three-tier hierarchy emerging from the survey by the Research Department. Young people and older consumers experience national food in very different ways

For more than half of Italians, the first criterion when buying food is the Italian origin of the product. Some 51% identify it as the main determining factor, ahead of price (41%), seasonality and zero-kilometre sourcing, both at around 34%. This leadership appears solid. But just beneath the surface, a fault line emerges: 89% of Italians have noticed recent increases in food prices and 48% have already changed their purchasing habits as a result. Made in Italy is appreciated, chosen and defended, but it carries a price that a growing number of Italians are struggling to afford.

This is the central tension emerging from the Cia - Italian Farmers Trend study, "Cultivating Security, Attracting the Future", produced by the organisation's Research Department and presented today in Rome during the 9th National Elective Assembly.

IDENTITY, YES, BUT WITHIN LIMITS - The willingness to pay more for a certified Italian product is almost universal across the sample. But the condition is always the same: "within certain limits". It is a response shared across all age groups, genders and geographical areas. This is not a sign of weakness for Brand Italy: it is the snapshot of a conscious consumer under pressure, someone who wants to make the right choice but cannot always afford to do so.

The generational divide, however, is marked. The Italian origin of a product is decisive for 62% of over-55s, but only for 35% of those aged 18 to 24. Younger consumers, by contrast, attach greater importance to the ethical dimension of a product: 30% of 18-24 year-olds cite it, compared with 13% of over-55s. This is not indifference towards Made in Italy: it is a different vocabulary for saying, at least in part, the same thing.

For Cia - Italian Farmers president Cristiano Fini, these figures must be read within a strategic perspective: "Consumers recognise the quality of Italian products, but the system still fails to ensure that this value translates into a fair price along the entire supply chain, starting with farmers," he said. "That is why we are proposing concrete tools: an institutional portal on unfair practices, certification systems that protect a minimum share of the final price for the primary producer, and tax incentives for those who buy Made in Italy agricultural products. Consumers want to make the right choice: we must make it accessible."

ONE OF THE ENEMIES IS CALLED ITALIAN SOUNDING - Among the perceived risks for the Italian agri-food sector, energy costs top the list, identified as the main threat by the majority of respondents. But fake Made in Italy weighs more heavily than low-cost foreign competition, at 45%. In fact, 52% of Italians believe Italian Sounding damages both the image and the sales of genuine Italian products. A further 27% explicitly refer to a loss of market share. Only 21% believe its impact is either negligible or even positive.

The perceived damage to producers is always greater than the perceived damage to consumers themselves: a sign that Italians feel, at least in part, that they are on the right side - the side of those who recognise the problem, even if they do not always solve it through their shopping basket. Here too, age is a decisive factor. Young people tend to see Italian Sounding as an economic threat. Adults experience it as an identity wound: among those aged 55 and over, 64% see it as damaging the image of genuine Made in Italy, compared with 33% of 18-24 year-olds.

WHERE ITALY HAS NO RIVALS - In terms of global positioning, Italian food holds firm. Some 58% of consumers believe that people abroad who buy Italian food products are looking for quality and authenticity. For one Italian in five, Made in Italy agri-food simply has no rivals: there is no sector in which foreign products are perceived as superior. Only 13% mention food as an area in which other countries excel, compared with 38% who indicate technology and electronics and 34% who cite the automotive sector.

And yet 43% of respondents believe Italian excellence is recognised only in certain specific categories: wine, pasta and olive oil. Its reputation is seen as concentrated rather than widespread. This is a limitation Cia - Italian Farmers intends to address by promoting the system of Geographical Indications in inland areas - a strategic asset for Made in Italy that remains under-represented on international markets.

"Italian agricultural products are worth far more than the three iconic categories," Fini stressed. "We need to build a 'new pact' with consumers based on a One Health vision: the economic health of farms, the environmental health of territories, and the health of the people who eat. Every conscious purchase is a political act. Short supply chains, farmers' markets and direct sales are the most effective tools for making that pact concrete and part of everyday life."

A PRAGMATIC CONSUMER, A SYSTEM IN NEED OF REFORM - The overall picture is that of a consumer who is neither na?ve nor indifferent: Italians recognise the value of Italian food, defend its primacy, but constantly negotiate this preference against the constraints of their wallets. Made in Italy remains strong symbolically; it is in terms of affordability that it risks losing ground.

According to Cia - Italian Farmers, the answer cannot be limited to communication. Value must be redistributed more fairly along the supply chain, agricultural producers must be protected from unfair competition, and the Italian choice must become genuinely advantageous - not only the right one.

Attachment

Cristiano Fini, president of Cia - Italian Farmers

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

LONDON, May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emerging Markets Global Advisory LLP (EMGA), announces that it has completed their first transaction for EVF General Finance Joint Stock Company (EVF) in Vietnam by securing US$ 25M from the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID).

Commenting on the transaction, EVF's Head of Capital Markets, Dinh Ngoc Bao said: "We are pleased to have partnered with EMGA to secure this facility from the OPEC Fund. This transaction represents a significant milestone in EVF's strategy to expand access to financing for Vietnam's SME sector, a key driver of the country's economic growth and innovation.

"We share a strong alignment with the OPEC Fund in supporting entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable private sector development. We believe this partnership establishes a solid platform for broader future collaboration, enabling us to further strengthen support for businesses, accelerate economic development, and create long-term opportunities in the international capital market."

EMGA's Head of Investment Banking and Managing Director Sajeev Chakkalakal said, "We are pleased to close this first transaction and ensure EVF's continued vision to supporting the SME sector, as well as climate action in Vietnam. It was also a very positive experience working with our long-term partner OFID as they looked to expand their exposure in the Vietnamese financial sector."

EMGA's Head of Operations and Managing Director Jeremy Dobson added, "This funding line adds to our existing track record in Vietnam and is the first time that we have worked with a non-banking financial institution (NBFI) in the country. We believe that this debt financing will help diversify EVF's funding base and look forward to further cooperation soon."

EVF General Finance Joint Stock Company (EVF) is one of Vietnam's leading non-bank financial institutions, established in 2008 and headquartered in Hanoi. The company provides a broad range of financial services, including corporate financing, treasury, capital mobilization, and lending solutions for institutional and retail clients. Listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange under the ticker "EVF," the company has developed strong partnerships with domestic and international financial institutions while supporting the growth of Vietnam's private sector and SME economy.

Emerging Markets Global Advisory LLP (EMGA), with offices in London and New York, helps financial institutions and corporates seeking new debt or equity capital. EMGA's multi-national team combines the decades of experience necessary to complete transactions on behalf of their clients within the world's emerging markets and frontier economies, including Vietnam which remains a key market. With a proven track record in capital formation and strategic advisory throughout diverse economic cycles, EMGA continues expanding its geographic reach and service offering, solidifying its place in the market as one of the industry's pre-eminent emerging markets focused niche investment banks.

Contact info@emergingmarketsglobaladvisory.com

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

BEIJING, May 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today marks Mother's Day. CGTN published a feature spotlighting the inspiring stories of Chinese mothers who devoted themselves selflessly to their children and the nation, highlighting the profound influence mothers have in shaping future generations.

In particular, the article explores the deep bond between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his mother, Qi Xin, showing how her patriotism, resilience, and frugal lifestyle, conveyed through both her words and personal example, helped shape Xi's values, approach to governance, and people-centered philosophy.

"In this vast world, I may be like a small feather. But even so, I want this feather to carry a wish for peace," He Zhihong, a Chinese peacekeeper who was killed in the line of duty at the age of 35, wrote in her diary. She died in an earthquake while serving on a UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti, leaving behind a 4-year-old son, husband and elderly parents.

During her deployment, she led a female peacekeeper squad and provided translation for visiting Chinese delegations. She also took the initiative to organize cultural exchange and open camp events to strengthen cooperation with other peacekeeping units, and taught local students Chinese, building a bridge for cultural understanding.

As a heroic mother figure, her sacrifice made a strong impression on attendees as Chinese President Xi Jinping shared her story in a speech at the General Debate of the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2015.

Her story is one of many moving accounts of Chinese mothers that Xi has highlighted over the years. Others include Zhao Yiman (1905?1936), a revered national martyr who was executed at the age of 31 by Japanese forces after enduring brutal torture, and Deng Yufen (1891?1970), a mother who sent her husband and all five of her children to the frontlines to fight Japanese militarists.

These women not only exemplify dedication and sacrifice for their country but also demonstrate the profound influence a mother can have on the character and spirit of her children.

Xi and his mother

Xi's own mother, Qi Xin, also left a lasting impression on her children. She joined the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 1939, endured the hardships of the fight against Japanese invaders and worked for many years at the grassroots level in rural revolutionary bases.

Qi's dedication to a sovereign and peaceful China, along with her close bond with ordinary working people, deeply inspired Xi.

From a young age, Xi's mother instilled in him lessons of patriotism and resilience. She once carried him to a store to buy a book about Yue Fei, a 12th-century military commander celebrated for his loyalty. Qi told Xi how Yue Fei's mother tattooed the characters meaning "serve the country with the utmost loyalty" on her son's back to encourage him to resist foreign invaders. When Xi asked how painful it was, Qi explained that although it hurt, Yue Fei took the words to heart. From that moment, Xi took those same words as a guiding principle in his life.

In 1969, during Xi's adolescence, Qi gave him a simple sewing kit. She stitched the words "niang de xin" (mother's heart) in red thread on it, a gift meant to give him courage as he prepared to leave Beijing for Liangjiahe Village in northwest China's Shaanxi Province to experience rural life firsthand. After living and working alongside villagers ? eating, sleeping, herding sheep, cutting grass, carrying manure and hauling coal ? Xi reflected that one of the greatest lessons he learned was the importance of seeking truth from facts and truly understanding the people.

The simple and frugal lifestyle of his mother also had a lasting influence on Xi. When Xi worked in Zhengding, north China's Hebei Province, in the early 1980s, he used a patched quilt made from over a hundred pieces of old cloth that his mother had sewn more than a decade earlier. When an official offered to buy a new one for him, he refused, saying, "The quilt is fine."

During the 2001 Spring Festival, Qi called Xi, who was then deputy secretary of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee and governor of Fujian. She told him that it was understandable he could not return to Beijing for the family reunion, emphasizing that excelling in his work was the greatest act of filial piety.

Raised in such a household, Xi has always put the people first. For decades, he has adhered to the principle that "bringing benefits to the people is the greatest achievement," treating the public with the care he would show to his own parents and working tirelessly to improve the lives of all Chinese families.

For more information, please click:

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-05-10/Mother-s-Day-How-heroic-mothers-inspire-Xi-Jinping-1N1ERJsy5fW/p.html

Youtube: https://youtu.be/DoDxYgrAX2w 

Contact: CGTN Digital cgtn@cgtn.com

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

SYDNEY, May 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Australia accelerates its transition to cleaner, smarter energy, Sigenergy made a powerful statement at Smart Energy Conference & Exhibition 2026, presenting one of the industry's most comprehensive integrated energy portfolios at the International Convention Centre, Sydney.

Over two days at Australia's leading renewable energy event, Sigenergy engaged residential, commercial, and utility stakeholders across its expanding smart energy ecosystem, combining proven technology with a growing local service capability tailored to the Australian market.

Visitors explored Sigenergy's residential lineup, including a preview of SigenStor Neo, the company's next-generation all-in-one residential energy system that integrates the inverter, battery, PCS, EMS, and gateway into a single unit.

A major focus at the Sigenergy stand was SigenStack, the company's modular commercial and industrial storage platform. Designed for scalability and performance across a range of C&I applications, SigenStack drew significant interest from developers, project engineers, and commercial buyers seeking flexible, high-capacity storage solutions that can scale with their energy needs. Utility-scale stakeholders were also introduced to Sigenergy's expanding large-scale PV energy capabilities, reinforcing the company's credentials across the full energy value chain.

The event also provided a platform to highlight Sigenergy's growing installer network and channel partnerships, with real-world system performance and deployment experience front and centre in discussions with the trade.

"Australia and New Zealand are a core strategic market for us, and we're committed to bringing more innovative products here and backing our partners with the strongest possible local support. We are always the original innovator, and we have full confidence in leading this market for years to come," said Tony Xu, Founder and CEO, Sigenergy.

"Being at Smart Energy this week gave us a powerful platform to show the Australian market what Sigenergy is capable of. We will keep upgrading our local service team, technical support and after-sales system, to serve our partners and customers better than ever before," stated Will Hall, Managing Director, Sigenergy Australia.

With Australian homeowners, installers, and businesses increasingly prioritising energy independence, lower bills, and long-term system performance, Sigenergy has established itself as a leading force in the next generation of intelligent, scalable clean energy solutions.

About Sigenergy

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Shanghai, Sigenergy (6656.HK) is a technology-driven company focused on innovation in the new energy sector. Leveraging advanced digital intelligence and a highly skilled talent base, the company has expanded into photovoltaic (PV) generation, smart energy storage, and high-efficiency electric vehicle (EV) charging. Guided by its "AI in All" strategy, Sigenergy integrates artificial intelligence across its product ecosystem to deliver safer, smarter, and more efficient energy solutions for households and businesses worldwide.

For more information, visit: www.sigenergy.com

Media Enquiries

Scott Rhodie, Marketing & Communications Manager, Sigenergy Australia

scott.rhodie@sigenergy.com

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

Three new Laguna Phuket developments - spanning lakeside living, golf-front design and Angsana-branded luxury - to be showcased at Park Lane Hong Kong on 16 - 17 MayCaption

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 May 2026 - Banyan Group Residences is bringing three of its most anticipated new residential launches to Hong Kong this month, with a two-day sales exhibition taking place at Park Lane Hong Kong (Canvas, 26F) on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May 2026, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. The event offers Hong Kong buyers a rare opportunity to explore and invest in some of Phuket's most compelling new addresses, with dedicated sales teams on hand for private consultations.

The exhibitions follow a year of record residential sales for Banyan Group Residences, as growing numbers of global investors look to Phuket as a safe haven for capital - drawn by the island's political stability, strong rental yields, year-round lifestyle appeal, and the relative value it continues to offer against comparable markets. Demand has been particularly robust from buyers across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, with Hong Kong remaining one of the Group's most consistent source markets.

The three projects on show represent some of the most exciting new additions to Laguna Phuket - Asia's premier integrated resort destination ? and span a range of living concepts, price points, and design inspirations, united by the hallmark quality and hospitality expertise of Banyan Group Residences, Asia's leading branded residential developer by volume.

"Hong Kong has consistently been one of our strongest buyer markets, and we look forward to welcoming buyers in person to discover what we believe is an exceptional line-up of new homes," said Stuart Reading, Managing Director of Banyan Group Residences. "Whether you're looking for a holiday retreat, a permanent base in a world-class resort community, or a smart long-term investment, this exhibition offers something genuinely compelling. High-quality property in a prime location at Laguna Phuket still represents outstanding value compared to equivalent homes in Hong Kong or other major cities."

Bellaguna Lake Residences

Brand new blocks of Bellaguna Lake Residences will be revealed for the first time at the exhibition. Set beside a shimmering lake within Laguna Phuket - steps from Bang Tao Beach - the development takes its design cues from the sleek lines of a contemporary luxury yacht. Five elegantly elongated buildings feature dark wave-like fa?ades and warm, light-filled interiors, with generous private terraces overlooking the lagoon. Residences include one- to three-bedroom condominiums and two- to three-bedroom penthouses with private rooftop pools, as well as a brand new category of two-bedroom residences with private pool.

Bellaguna is Banyan Group Residences' newest residential brand, conceived specifically for premium year-round living outside of hotel inventory - yet fully supported by the Group's renowned hospitality management standards.

Bellaguna Golf Residences

Set on land that once formed part of Phuket's historic tin-mining landscape, Bellaguna Golf Residences draws its design identity from that heritage - soft horizontal lines and sculpted contours reinterpreted through a contemporary tropical lens. Low-rise buildings unfold amid lush gardens and a signature free-form pool, overlooking the fairways of the championship Laguna Golf Phuket course. A brand new block has also just been released for this project, which features a compact one-bedroom configuration, alongside one- to three-bedroom condominiums and two- to three-bedroom penthouses with private pools and sunset golf views.

Angsana Golf Residences Topaz

Inspired by the clarity and elegance of the topaz gemstone, Angsana Golf Residences Topaz comprises three gracefully curved low-rise buildings set within Laguna Phuket, with Sino-Portuguese design accents that subtly reference Phuket's cultural heritage. The development offers two- and three-bedroom residences and exclusive penthouses with private rooftop pools, all enjoying panoramic views of the golf course, mountains, and the Andaman Sea. A signature rooftop ring-shaped pool completes the picture.

All three projects now have show units available to view at Laguna Property Sales Gallery

Banyan Living

Banyan Group has recently launched Banyan Living, a residential rental and marketing platform created to support owners of branded residences across the Group's portfolio, while offering guests a professionally managed alternative to traditional home‑sharing platforms.

Developed as a structured, hospitality-led rental ecosystem, Banyan Living enables private owners to generate income from their residences, while providing guests who rent the properties assurance of the design integrity and professional service standards associated with Banyan Group.

Why Phuket, Why Now

Phuket continues to attract growing international interest as both a lifestyle destination and an investment market. Within Laguna Phuket, nationals of some 70 countries have chosen to make the resort community their home, drawn by year-round tropical living, world-class amenities, international schools, medical facilities, and a level of quality and security that is difficult to match elsewhere in the region.

Banyan Group Residences anticipates launching up to USD 1 billion in new luxury residential projects in Phuket over the next two to three years, reflecting the Group's confidence in the market and the enduring strength of demand from international buyers.

Prospective buyers are welcome to visit the exhibition at Park Lane Hong Kong, Canvas (26F), on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May 2026, between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm. Private appointments can be arranged in advance by contacting the team directly.

Hashtag: #BanyanGroupResidences  #LagunaPhuket  #PhuketProperty 

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

May unveils unending celebrations of a repertoire of appealing international delicacies, paying homage to motherly love and French gastronomic treasures

MACAU SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 May 2026 - With the acclaimed return of French GourMay Food & Wine Festival 2026, Galaxy Macau welcomes May as a radiant month of celebration, led by the enduring elegance of French culinary artistry. Bringing together masterful craftsmanship and flavours from around the world, the luxury resort curates a global gastronomic journey that pays heartfelt tribute to diverse culinary traditions and dining cultures. Concurrent to this international feast, Galaxy Macau also presents thoughtfully crafted Mother's Day experiences, weaving warmth and affection into a month defined by indulgence, refinement and celebration.

The Elegance of French Dining at Galaxy Macau in May

The annual French GourMay Food & Wine Festival returns to Galaxy Macau in its 17th edition, ushering in the most authentic and creative French culinary showcase.

Meticulously prepared by the culinary team at Raffles at Galaxy Macau, M7 Wagyu Beef Pithivier is an indulgent tribute to classic French gastronomy. Lusciously marbled M7 Wagyu is encased in hand‑crafted, all‑butter puff pastry. Paired with slow‑saut?ed mushrooms and aromatic herbs, it delivers depth, richness and refined opulence. Designed for sharing, each Pithivier is priced at MOP658, with a curated selection of French wines available for optional pairing at additional prices, served at Raffles Lounge and Terrace throughout May.

Evoking the romance of the French Alps, The Ritz‑Carlton Caf? presents a four‑course culinary journey inspired by the soulful flavours of Savoie, where mountain terroir meets classic French technique. The menu showcases the region's celebrated cheeses, from Beef Tartare enriched with Reblochon and caviar to Quenelle ? la Savoyarde featuring Brittany lobster, sea bass and black truffle. Available for dinner, the experience is priced at MOP488 per person, with an optional Savoie wine pairing offered at MOP388 for two glasses.

Anchoring French GourMay at The Apron Oyster Bar & Grill are two dishes that celebrate the hearty, comforting spirit of Savoie. The Baked Lobster with Raclette de Savoie (MOP598) elevates indulgent seafood with molten alpine cheese, delivering richness and depth in every bite. Complementing it is Diots de Savoie with Tartiflette (MOP288), a rustic composition of sausages, potatoes and cheese that offers an authentic expression of regional tradition - generous, warming and deeply satisfying.

At CHA BEI, award-winning pastry maestro Lok Hin Yam brings French p?tisserie into sharp focus with Madagascar Vanilla & Sea Salt Caramel Mille-Feuille, served with vanilla ice cream (MOP120). Crisp, feather-light pastry layers encase fragrant vanilla cream and luscious caramel, achieving a refined balance of texture and sweetness. Meticulously crafted and elegantly restrained, the dessert offers a polished finale to the French GourMay experience, celebrating precision, craftsmanship and timeless indulgence.

Thanking Motherly Love with a Wide Array of Culinary Delights

This Mother's Day, Galaxy Macau invites families to celebrate the most important woman in our lives with Mother's Day Gourmet Sensations 2026-a heartfelt culinary programme spanning Michelin‑starred dining, elegant brunches, generous buffets and indulgent afternoon tea experiences across the resort's acclaimed restaurants.

For the ultimate celebration at Lai Heen, the One-Michelin‑starred Cantonese restaurant at The Ritz‑Carlton, Macau. Chinese Executive Chef Jackie Ho presents an exquisite festive tasting menu showcasing refined Cantonese craftsmanship, with highlights such as double‑boiled fish maw soup with fresh abalone, stir‑fried lobster with caviar, and baked taro puree in puff pastry-luxurious dishes crafted to honour mothers with exquisite nourishment.

At Botanica, located at Galaxy Macau's newest gem, Capella at Galaxy Macau, guests are welcomed into a lush, light‑filled retreat where Executive Chef Stephen Hsu reimagines international comfort food through a contemporary lens. Smoky Chargrilled Tomahawk, Baked Scallops layered with umami richness, and delicately perfumed rose mousse with peach granita form a menu designed as a feast for the senses.

For families seeking variety and abundance, Urban Kitchen at JW Marriott at Galaxy Macau offers a lively buffet experience featuring fresh seafood, premium meats and global flavours prepared across multiple live-cooking stations-perfect for heartfelt gatherings and joyful sharing for all ages to enjoy.

Complementing these highlights, Galaxy Macau also presents celebratory dining experiences at a range of other restaurants, from elegant French brunches and nourishing Chinese specialties to refined afternoon teas and celebratory set menus-ensuring every family finds its perfect way to say thank you, deliciously, this Mother's Day.

Captivating Dining Offers

? Daily

Raffles Lounge & Terrace -

Picnic Under the Chandelier

This special dining offer evokes a refined pastoral fantasy, where sunlight filters through cascading crystal and time slows to a graceful pause. Thoughtfully composed savouries and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jewel‑like preserves give way to delicately crafted p?tisserie, from a refined opera cake to a luminous yuzu macaron. A curated selection of teas or a chilled glass of Champagne completes this quietly cinematic experience of modern indulgence.

Time: 15:00-17:00

Price: MOP628++/2 persons / MOP768++/2 persons with 2 special mocktails

? May 22 & 23

Andaz Kitchen -

Chinese‑Portuguese Master Chefs

Four Hands Dinner Series

Andaz Kitchen presents an exclusive four‑hands dining series led by Executive Chef Andre Lai in collaboration with Black Pearl‑awarded Chef Calvin Yu of Xizhou Hall. Blending Chinese and Portuguese culinary traditions, the series offers a refined cross‑cultural experience through contemporary interpretations and precision techniques. Each dinner is meticulously curated, from premium ingredient selection to elegant plating and attentive service, creating an exceptional setting for intimate gatherings or memorable fine‑dining occasions.

Time: 19:00

Price: MOP1,088+/person for six courses with wine-pairing

? May 30

Teppanyaki Shou -

Champagne Drappier X Teppanyaki Shou

Teppanyaki Shou partners with the historic Champagne house Drappier for a one‑night culinary collaboration. Guests will enjoy a curated flight of six Champagnes, from the expressive Carte d'Or Brut to the rare Grande Sendr?e Mill?sime 2012, paired with a bespoke teppanyaki omakase menu. Precision Japanese craftsmanship meets centuries‑old Champagne heritage in a refined dialogue of land, sea and terroir.

Time: 18:00 - 22:30

Price: MOP2,388/person for 8-Course Omakase with 6 Curated Wines

? May 12 - July 13

Various Chinese Restaurants -

Garden of Summer Gourds

This summer, enjoy a lighter, more balanced approach to dining inspired by traditional Chinese wellness wisdom. Featuring cooling gourds and nourishing root vegetables prized for their natural sweetness and hydrating properties, the seasonal menu offers dishes that are refreshing yet satisfying. From comforting slow‑simmered classics to refined banquet‑style creations, each thoughtfully crafted dish celebrates regional Chinese heritage, delivering flavourful, health‑focused dining perfectly attuned to the warmer months.

? Now until June 30

The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge -

The Spring Time Journey Afternoon Tea

Enjoyed on the 51st floor of The Ritz‑Carlton, Macau, The Spring Time Journey Afternoon Tea offers a seasonal symphony of colour, texture and flavour. This curated experience celebrates spring's gentle bloom as it transitions into summer, featuring refined savoury creations and artisanal desserts inspired by florals and sun‑ripened fruit, elevating the afternoon with elegance and lightness.

Time: 14:30 - 17:30

Price: MOP538++/set (Choice of Tea or Coffee)

MOP 738++/set (Served with 2 glasses of Barons de Rothschild Ritz R?serve Brut Champagne)

? Dinner Daily

Yamazato -

Introducing Omakase Kaiseki at Yamazato

An intimate kaiseki journey unfolds at the Yamazato bar counter, under the guidance of Executive Chef Hideaki Hayashi, offering a front‑row view of culinary refinement - watch as chefs craft each course with meticulous precision, using the season's finest ingredients. From sushi and sashimi to steamed, grilled and fried delicacies, every dish is a refined expression of Japanese culinary artistry-an immersive, front‑row celebration of craftsmanship.

Time: Daily from 17:30 to 22:00, except Mondays

Price: MOP1,380+/person

Galaxy Macau Unveils Celebrations over Refined Mixology

The celebratory vibes are further uplifted at Galaxy Macau with the luxury resort's collection of world-class bars, each with their own specialisation.

Pony & Plume-the distinguished whisky sanctuary at Capella at Galaxy Macau-celebrates the creative spirit of Taiwan's cocktail culture with an exclusive one‑night guest shift. On May 21, the bar welcomes the team behind Kaohsiung's acclaimed Gallery 20.5, a 50 Best Discovery destination where artistry and nostalgia converge, to unveil "The Finest Pour at Pony & Plume - Gallery 20.5". Head Bartender Sherry Wang and Bar Manager David Tsai will unveil four original cocktails, showcasing refined technique and native Taiwanese flavours, priced at MOP168 per glass-an evening of understated sophistication in Pony & Plume's iconic whisky pyramid.

On May 29, The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge welcomes Champion Mixologist Damon Hee Mahn Park of Seoul's Four Ace Club for The Alchemist Flair: A Global Mixology Experience with Damon Park. A World Class Korea Champion 2025 and World Class Global finalist in Toronto, Park's style fuses Singapore-bred precision with Korean fermentation mastery. For one night only, he presents a curated selection of signature cocktails crafted with Don Julio, Tanqueray, Singleton Whisky and Ketel One Vodka-each drink a study in competition-level technique, layered flavour and uncompromising execution.

For more information about Galaxy Macau, please visit www.galaxymacau.com.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau 

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

Key Highlights:

No. 1 QSR in Vietnam (Euromonitor): Achieved top ranking despite not having the largest store network

250+ stores across 50+ provinces: Sustained expansion since market entry in 2005

Strong local relevance: Growth driven by localized menu, superior taste, and consistent execution

~1.5 million students reached across 676 schools: Deep engagement with youth, supported by 500+ scholarships and a 15,000-attendee anniversary concert

Recognized by independent institutions: Named No. 1 most reputable F&B company in Vietnam and Grab Vietnam's 2025 Restaurant Partner of the Year

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 May 2026 - Jollibee Vietnam has been named the No. 1 quick-service restaurant brand in Vietnam by Euromonitor International in its Consumer Foodservice 2026 edition study-achieving the top ranking despite not having the largest store network in the market. The recognition underscores the brand's strong consumer relevance and execution in one of the Jollibee Group's key international growth markets.

Jollibee Vietnam's success reflects the brand's steady growth over two decades, built through consistent execution and a strong connection with Vietnamese consumers. Since opening its first store in Ho Chi Minh City in 2005, Jollibee Vietnam has expanded to over 250 stores across more than 50 provinces and cities, establishing a broad national presence.

The expansion has been supported by a range of store formats-including mall-based, street-front, and delivery-oriented locations-allowing the brand to serve different consumer occasions across the country.

"Vietnam is a highly dynamic and competitive market, and our progress reflects our focus on understanding local consumers and executing well on the fundamentals," said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global President and CEO of Jollibee Group. "It also underscores the strength of combining a well-loved brand with deep local understanding and consistent execution, reinforcing our belief that long-term growth in international markets comes from staying relevant to consumers while building strong operating foundations."

Strong local relevance

Jollibee Vietnam's growth has been anchored on a clear understanding of local tastes and behaviors. Core products such as Chickenjoy fried chicken, Chili Chicken, and Jolly spaghetti continue to resonate with consumers, supported by a passion for superior taste and warm, joyful service that encourages repeat visits.

The brand has also maintained strong engagement with younger consumers through school and community-based activations, as well as digital platforms. In 2025, Jollibee Vietnam's high school and university programs reached 676 schools and approximately 1.5 million students, while awarding more than 500 scholarships. Its 20th-anniversary concert, attended by over 15,000 people, further underscores the brand's connection with the youth segment.

"We're grateful to the Vietnamese consumers who continue to choose Jollibee and make us part of their everyday moments," said Dennis Flores, EMEAA Region President. "This recognition belongs equally to our Jollibee Vietnam team, whose care for the customer and commitment to getting the fundamentals right have made this possible. As we move forward, we remain focused on delivering superior-tasting food and a consistently positive customer experience."

Jollibee Vietnam's performance has also been recognized by independent organizations. The brand was named the No. 1 most reputable F&B company in Vietnam by Vietnam Report and was awarded Restaurant Partner/Merchant of the Year 2025 by Grab Vietnam, reflecting its strong brand equity and market execution.

For the Jollibee Group, Vietnam reflects how its brands can grow in international markets through a consistent approach to local adaptation and disciplined execution. And as Jollibee Vietnam continues to grow, the milestone underscores how sustained performance is built over time through relevance, consistency, and trust.

*Euromonitor International Limited; Consumer Foodservice 2026 edition, Foodservice Value sales in RSP, data for 2025. Fast food restaurants as per Limited-Service Restaurants category definition.

https://www.jollibeegroup.com

Hashtag: #Jollibee  #QSR 

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

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 May 2026 - Hong Kong registered charity Hong Kong Momtrepreneurs (HKM) successfully held its annual Mother's Day flagship event yesterday.

This year's event, themed "The Invisible Strength: Nurturing Families, Building Futures" (堅毅雙翼：滋養家庭‧創建未來), brought together business leaders and a Paralympic gold medalist to recognise and celebrate the resilience of full-time mothers and mothers of children with special educational needs (SEN) - both within their families and in society at large.

About Hong Kong Momtrepreneurs and the Moms4Moms Fellowship Program

Since its establishment in 2018, Hong Kong Momtrepreneurs has been committed to encouraging mothers to rediscover their value through lifelong learning and an entrepreneurial mindset. Its flagship programme, the Moms4Moms Fellowship Program, aims to help mothers transform their "invisible labour" into socially recognised capabilities - combining entrepreneurial knowledge with practical skills, so that mothers can pursue their dreams while caring for their families.

Lena Wong, Founder of HKM, said: "The potential of full-time mothers has long been overlooked, leading to a hidden waste of talent. Through our Fellowship, we hope to take the soft skills and life experiences cultivated through motherhood, combine them with practical entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, and channel them back into society - creating a positive impact across different communities and levels."

Annual Theme & Partner Support

This year's theme focused on a marginalised group of mothers - especially SEN mothers who face multiple challenges. The event was supported by The Payment Cards Group as its lead supporting partner.

In her keynote address, Beatrice Tai, CEO of The Payment Cards Group, shared how the development of accessible payment technology can provide meaningful support to mom entrepreneurs:

"Mobile payments enable mothers to work from home, run online stores, or participate in markets. The application process is relatively simple, funds flow back quickly, and it also provides data analytics reports - allowing merchants to understand sales figures, customer profiles, and payment habits, and thus make more precise marketing strategies."

Ms. Tai added: "AI and accessible payment technology are becoming a powerful 'Invisible Strength' for mom entrepreneurs - helping them close opportunity gaps and solve business pain points."

Star Panel: Cross-Sector Guests Share Heartfelt Experiences

A highlight of the event was the themed panel discussion, where guests shared their insights on supporting mothers - from both personal and corporate perspectives:

Ho Yuenkei, BBS (Paris 2024 Paralympic Boccia Double Gold Medalist) - Shared a moving account of how her mother's unconditional love, support, and acceptance shaped her childhood, enabling her to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.

Olivia Wong (General Manager - Environmental & Social Responsibility, MTR Corporation) - Pointed out that flexible working hours offered by companies can effectively help mothers balance work with their children's school schedules.

Lucia Ngan (Project Manager, Learning Bridge) - Shared how diverse daily activities can support SEN youth and their mothers in both learning and daily life.

Professional Judging Witnesses 12 Mothers' Business Pitches

The event also hosted the Moms4Moms 2025/26 Graduation Ceremony. Twelve fellows from diverse backgrounds - including mothers of SEN children - delivered 60-second business pitches to a distinguished panel of judges. These graduates showcased the confidence they had regained through the programme, transforming their caregiving experiences into commercially viable plans. Their brilliance shone through.

Judging Panel:

Danny Lap Lee - Managing Partner, VCA Capital Limited

Prudence Wat - Human Resources Director, Cyberport Asia

Lisa Lam - Deputy Executive Director, HandsOn Hong Kong

Looking Ahead

Looking to the future, Lena Wong shared that Hong Kong Momtrepreneurs will continue to explore more diverse forms of support, guided by the real needs of the community ? helping mothers realise their own value while caring for their families, and growing together.

Hashtag: #HongKongMomtrepreneurs 

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

MUMBAI, INDIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 May 2026 - Vinpearl Joint Stock Company has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Thomas Cook India, SOTC Travel, and MakeMyTrip, three of India's leading travel and tourism companies. The strategic partnerships are aimed at directly and comprehensively reaching all customer segments, helping position Vietnam as a "preferred destination" in the world's most populous country.

The agreements were signed at the Vietnam-India Business Forum, held as part of the State visit of General Secretary and President To Lam to India, in the presence of General Secretary and President To Lam and Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis.

The partnerships are expected to open direct access channels to all customer segments, stimulate travel demand and experiential tourism, and ultimately position Vietnam as a "preferred destination" for India's 1.47 billion people.

Representing India are three of the country's most influential and trusted travel distribution channels: Thomas Cook India, SOTC Travel, and MakeMyTrip. Thomas Cook India has strong expertise in group travel, corporate travel, and large-scale MICE tourism. SOTC Travel is well known for family vacations, group tours, and mid- to high-end leisure travel. Meanwhile, MakeMyTrip, India's leading online travel platform, has a strong advantage in reaching younger travelers, independent tourists, and digitally-driven booking behaviors.

Representing Vietnam is Vinpearl, the country's leading hospitality, tourism, and entertainment brand, operating nearly 60 properties nationwide. Its diverse five-star "all-in-one" ecosystem offers accommodation, shopping, dining, entertainment, golf, and MICE services, making it particularly well-suited to the travel preferences of Indian visitors, including large group travel, multi-generational family vacations, and experience-rich holidays.

Through these partnerships, the parties aim to maximize each other's strengths, enhance tourism development capabilities, and shape tailored travel products, gradually positioning Vietnam as a "preferred destination" for Indian travelers in the near future.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Ngo Thi Huong, CEO of Vinpearl, said: "India is one of the key markets in Vinpearl's international expansion strategy. Through partnerships with leading industry players, we are not only broadening our market reach but also proactively developing products tailored to each customer segment. Vinpearl aims to strengthen its presence in the Indian market while contributing to positioning Vietnam as an attractive and distinctive destination on the global tourism map."

Mr. Anubhav Bansal, Vice President of MakeMyTrip and representative of the three Indian partners, added: "Vinpearl operates one of the region's leading integrated tourism and hospitality ecosystems, with a scale, product diversity, and destination experience portfolio that increasingly align with the preferences of Indian travelers. We believe Vinpearl is playing an important role in positioning Vietnam as an attractive destination for this market. Combined with the extensive distribution strengths of both sides, this partnership is expected to significantly boost Indian tourist arrivals to Vietnam in the coming years."

India is currently the world's most populous country, with 1.47 billion people. The country's rapidly expanding middle class is driving a strong surge in demand for international travel.

Recognizing the strategic importance of the Indian market, Vinpearl has not only leveraged its scale and integrated "all-in-one" ecosystem but has also continuously developed specialized offerings for Indian travelers, including luxury wedding tourism, MICE travel, multi-generational family holidays, group trips, and couple getaways. In 2025, the number of Indian guests staying within the Vinpearl system surged by a record 402% year-on-year, followed by a further 335% increase during the first four months of this year compared to the same period last year.

The signing of MoUs with these three major market access partners marks the next step in Vinpearl's strategy to sustainably grow its visitor base from the 1.47 billion-population Indian market, while also helping position Vietnam as a "preferred destination" for Indian travelers.

https://vinpearl.com/en

Hashtag: #Vinpearl 

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