VICTORIA, Seychelles, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has launched the Fixed Coupon Note (FCN) Plan, bringing a structured product commonly used in traditional finance to tokenized US stocks. The new FCN structure allows users to subscribe with USDT and earn a predefined USDT coupon during the holding period.

Bitget is the first crypto exchange to combine the FCN structure with USDT settlement and US stock rToken delivery. The launch expands the ways users can access traditional financial assets through Bitget, moving beyond spot trading to structured strategies built around tokenized equities.

The FCN Plan is designed for users who are interested in gaining exposure to US stocks but prefer to enter at a specific price instead of buying immediately at the prevailing market price. At launch, the product is linked to popular US stock rTokens including SNDK, MRVL, SKHY, NVDA, and MU.

Users subscribe with USDT and select a strike price at which they are comfortable acquiring the linked rToken. If the observation price at maturity is at or above the strike price, the user receives the USDT principal plus the predefined USDT coupon. If the observation price is below the strike price, the principal is converted into the linked rToken at the strike price, while the coupon is paid in USDT.

The structure provides an alternative to placing a conventional limit order. While a limit order allows investors to wait for a preferred entry price, the capital allocated to that order can remain idle until it is executed. FCN enables the platform to set their target price in advance while earning a coupon during the product term, regardless of which of the two settlement outcomes occurs at maturity.

"There are times when you want exposure to a stock but the price is not where you want it to be," said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. "FCN gives users a set price they are comfortable buying at and earn while they wait. Bringing stocks onto Bitget was one part of building UEX. Now we are giving users more ways to access and use these assets, beyond simply buying and selling them on spot."

The launch further expands Bitget's rToken ecosystem and its Universal Exchange strategy, which brings crypto and traditional financial assets into a unified trading environment. By combining USDT, tokenized US stocks and a structured product mechanism used in traditional finance, FCN adds another route for users to access and manage traditional assets on Bitget.

FCN is a non-principal-protected structured product. If settlement occurs in rTokens, users remain exposed to movements in the price of the underlying asset and may incur losses if its price declines further.

To mark the launch, Bitget will run a limited-time FCN campaign from August 17 to September 18, 2026, with rewards available to eligible first-time and cumulative subscribers.

For more information about Bitget FCN, visit here.

About Bitget

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

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

Spektra reaches full commercial launch at Rystad Energy Innovate on 20 August 2026

Oslo, Norway, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rystad Energy will set out a new vision for energy intelligence in the AI era at Innovate, an online broadcast on 20 August 2026. The event marks the full commercial launch of Spektra, Rystad Energy's AI-native market intelligence platform, and is open to clients and the market.

The way the energy industry accesses and uses data is changing. Spektra launched in beta in June 2026, giving clients access to a platform that brings Rystad Energy's full commercial databases into a single workspace. Users can create unlimited workspaces to suit their workflows, bringing together data from multiple datasets, eliminating the need to switch between tools. Innovate is the moment Spektra moves to full commercial availability, and the complete story is told publicly for the first time.

For two decades, Rystad Energy has built the data the energy industry runs on. Spektra is the next step: a single system that combines powerful data exploration in web-based workspaces, plus MCP connectors and an API gateway, giving energy professionals the flexibility to access and integrate Rystad Energy data in the way that works best for them. The platform draws on millions of energy assets globally, including 85,000+ oil and gas fields, more than 2 million wells, and 200,000+ conventional and renewable energy power plants, all independently sourced and verified.

"Energy markets are becoming more complex, and the demand for faster, more reliable intelligence is only growing. Spektra is built for that new reality and is designed around how energy professionals actually work, giving swift and flexible access to the most reliable energy data in the industry. The platform is easy and intuitive to use, but also with the depth needed for the most sophisticated users. At Innovate, we will show what Rystad Energy's reinvention as an AI-native data platform means in practice, and where we are taking energy intelligence next," said Lars Eirik Nicolaisen, Deputy CEO, Rystad Energy.

At Innovate, Rystad Energy will demonstrate the full AI ecosystem live: AskRystad, MCP and the Microsoft 365 Copilot integration, alongside how the data now reaches directly into the tools the industry already uses. Clients who shaped Spektra will take the stage, sharing how the platform has changed the way they work. Partner integrations with HSBC, SLB, Quorum and FutureOn will show how Rystad Energy data reaches the operational tools the industry depends on.

"Energy professionals need trusted intelligence they can act on quickly. By bringing Rystad Energy's proprietary data into Microsoft 365 Copilot through MCP, we are integrating two decades of industry expertise directly into their flow of work. The result is faster access to critical insights, more informed decisions, and greater business impact across the organizations that rely on this intelligence," said Per Christian Honningsvag, General Manager, Energy and Resources, Microsoft.

Rystad Energy Innovate takes place on Thursday, 20 August 2026, broadcast from the Rystad Energy Oslo studio. The event is open to clients and the market. Register now.

About Rystad Energy

Rystad Energy is a leading independent energy intelligence company dedicated to helping clients navigate the future of energy. By providing high-quality data and thought leadership, our international team empowers businesses, governments and organizations to make well-informed decisions.

Our extensive portfolio of products and solutions covers all aspects of global energy fundamentals, spanning every corner of the oil and gas industry, the renewable energy sector, clean technologies, supply chains, and power markets. Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with an expansive global network, our data, analysis, advisory, and education services provide clients a competitive edge in the market.

For more information, visit www.rystadenergy.com.

Media Contact

Katie Keenan

Senior Communications Manager

Rystad Energy

media@rystadenergy.com

Media Contact

Katie Keenan

Senior Communications Manager

Rystad Energy

media@rystadenergy.com

New conversational add-in lets users create, edit and review presentations with AI directly in PowerPoint

NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Templafy, the agentic document generation platform, today announces the launch of the Templafy Agent Add-In, a free AI agent that enables users to create, edit and review presentations without leaving PowerPoint.

Available to download from Microsoft Marketplace, the add-in brings document agents directly into the presentation workflow, enabling both the creation of new presentations and facilitation of editing tasks. Through a conversational interface, users can ask the agent to create new slides, rewrite or translate a presentation, fix formatting, add editable charts and tables, review content, and much more, before it is shared.

Oskar Konstantyner, CPO at Templafy, comments: "AI has made it easier to start a presentation, but the work doesn't stop there. Presentations are constantly edited, updated and reviewed by teams, and AI should enhance that process, not create a separate one. By bringing agents directly into PowerPoint, we're extending AI from creation into iteration, so users can keep working with the agent as their presentation evolves, inside the workflow they already know. When connected to Templafy, this becomes even more powerful as the agent is grounded in company knowledge and governed centrally, bringing the speed of AI together with the context and control enterprises need."

The add-in is free for individual PowerPoint users. For Templafy customers, the experience goes further by connecting the agent to approved company content and context, including templates and layouts, content libraries, brand rules, product information and business data. This enables teams to use AI while drawing on information and content their organization already trusts.

For enterprises, this can mean less time spent searching for the right slide, checking the latest messaging or correcting branding and formatting at the end of the process. Microsoft 365 administrators can also deploy the add-in to relevant users or groups across the organization, in addition to centrally distributing rules to AI document creation, taking away the burden of complex prompting or configuration from the individual.

The Templafy Agent Add-In for PowerPoint is available now.

Download the Templafy Agent Add-In for PowerPoint from Microsoft Marketplace.

Notes to editors

About Templafy

Templafy is the leading agentic document generation platform, enabling professionals to create accurate, compliant, and on-brand documents with maximum efficiency.

Our platform allows enterprises to curb AI in the moments that matter by giving AI agents the right context, guardrails, and company-approved knowledge to work from. Through our approach, AI agents apply a combination of AI generated content and rules-based automation to create high-quality and trustworthy documents at speed, without compromising organizational control or consistency, at a low and predictable token cost.

Accessible directly within tools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Salesforce, and AI Assistants including Claude, ChatGPT and Copilot, Templafy's patented technology simplifies document workflows, reduces risk, and gives teams greater confidence in the documents that matter most.

More than 4 million users worldwide rely on Templafy to accelerate business content creation with AI. Trusted by industry leaders including KPMG and BDO, Templafy saves teams over 30% of the time they would typically spend on repetitive content, such as proposals, engagement letters, and audit reports, allowing them to focus on revenue-driving work instead.

For more information, press only:

Lucy Westman, Head of Global Communications, Templafy (+44) 7776 454 946, lwe@templafy.com

Add-in percakapan baru memungkinkan pengguna membuat, mengedit, dan meninjau presentasi dengan AI secara langsung di PowerPoint

NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Templafy, platform pembuatan dokumen berbasis agen AI, hari ini mengumumkan peluncuran Templafy Agent Add-In, agen AI gratis yang memungkinkan pengguna membuat, mengedit, dan meninjau presentasi langsung tanpa perlu keluar dari PowerPoint.

Add-in yang tersedia untuk diunduh di Microsoft Marketplace ini mengintegrasikan agen dokumen langsung ke dalam alur kerja presentasi sehingga pengguna dapat membuat presentasi baru sekaligus melakukan berbagai tugas pengeditan. Melalui antarmuka percakapan, pengguna dapat meminta agen AI untuk membuat slide baru, menulis ulang atau menerjemahkan presentasi, memperbaiki format, menambahkan grafik dan tabel yang dapat diedit, meninjau konten, serta melakukan berbagai tugas lainnya sebelum presentasi dibagikan.

Oskar Konstantyner, CPO di Templafy, berkomentar: "AI memang telah mempermudah proses memulai sebuah presentasi, tetapi pekerjaan tidak berhenti sampai di situ. Presentasi terus diedit, diperbarui, dan ditinjau oleh tim. Karena itu, AI seharusnya membantu menyempurnakan proses tersebut, bukan menciptakan proses yang terpisah. Dengan mengintegrasikan agen langsung ke PowerPoint, kami memperluas peran AI dari tahap pembuatan hingga proses penyempurnaan sehingga pengguna dapat terus bekerja dengan agen ketika presentasi mereka terus berkembang dalam alur kerja yang sudah mereka kenal. Saat terhubung dengan Templafy, kemampuan agen menjadi semakin optimal karena didukung oleh pengetahuan perusahaan dan dikelola secara terpusat. Dengan demikian, perusahaan dapat memanfaatkan kecepatan AI sekaligus mempertahankan konteks dan kontrol yang dibutuhkan."

Add-in ini tersedia gratis bagi pengguna PowerPoint individual. Bagi pelanggan Templafy, pengalaman pengguna menjadi lebih lengkap karena agen dapat terhubung dengan konten dan konteks perusahaan yang telah disetujui, termasuk templat dan tata letak, pustaka konten, pedoman merek, informasi produk, serta data bisnis. Hal ini memungkinkan tim memanfaatkan AI dengan tetap menggunakan informasi dan konten yang telah dipercaya oleh organisasi mereka.

Bagi perusahaan, hal ini dapat menghemat waktu yang biasanya digunakan untuk mencari slide yang tepat, memastikan penggunaan pesan terbaru, serta memperbaiki elemen merek dan format di tahap akhir proses. Administrator Microsoft 365 juga dapat menerapkan add-in ini kepada pengguna atau grup tertentu di seluruh organisasi, sekaligus mendistribusikan aturan pembuatan dokumen berbasis AI secara terpusat. Dengan begitu, pengguna tidak perlu lagi menangani perintah atau konfigurasi rumit secara mandiri.

Templafy Agent Add-In untuk PowerPoint kini telah tersedia.

Unduh Templafy Agent Add-In untuk PowerPoint dari Microsoft Marketplace.

Catatan untuk editor

Tentang Templafy

Templafy adalah platform pembuatan dokumen berbasis agen AI terkemuka yang memungkinkan para profesional membuat dokumen yang akurat, sesuai standar, dan konsisten dengan identitas merek, dan lebih efisien.

Platform kami membantu perusahaan mengendalikan AI pada momen-momen penting dengan memberikan konteks yang tepat, batasan yang sesuai, dan pengetahuan yang telah disetujui perusahaan kepada agen AI sebagai dasar kerjanya. Melalui pendekatan kami, agen AI memadukan konten buatan AI dengan otomatisasi berbasis aturan untuk menghasilkan dokumen berkualitas tinggi dan tepercaya dengan cepat. Pendekatan ini tidak mengorbankan kontrol maupun konsistensi organisasi, dengan biaya token yang tetap rendah dan dapat diprediksi.

Teknologi Templafy yang telah dipatenkan dapat diakses langsung melalui alat seperti Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Salesforce, serta asisten AI seperti Claude, ChatGPT, dan Copilot. Teknologi ini menyederhanakan alur kerja dokumen, mengurangi risiko, dan membuat tim lebih yakin saat menangani dokumen yang paling penting.

Lebih dari 4 juta pengguna di seluruh dunia mengandalkan Templafy untuk mempercepat pembuatan konten bisnis dengan AI. Templafy dipercaya oleh pemimpin industri termasuk KPMG dan BDO. Platform ini membantu tim menghemat lebih dari 30% waktu yang biasanya digunakan untuk membuat konten berulang, seperti proposal, surat penugasan, dan laporan audit sehingga mereka dapat fokus pada pekerjaan yang menghasilkan pendapatan.

Untuk informasi lebih lanjut, khusus media:

Lucy Westman, Head of Global Communications, Templafy (+44) 7776 454 946, lwe@templafy.com

MANAMA, Bahrain, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance has announced the launch of the inaugural edition of the King Hamad Award for Coexistence and Tolerance, carrying a monetary prize of US$1 million. Nominations are open worldwide to individuals and institutions until 10 October 2026 through the Award's official website.

Established pursuant to Royal Order No. (32) of 2024, the Award is an international initiative that embodies the values rooted in Bahrain's history and civilization, including openness to all civilizations, religions, and cultures and the promotion of coexistence. It reflects the Kingdom's vision of advancing global peace and coexistence, while encouraging pioneering work in dialogue among civilizations.

The Award recognizes individuals and institutions that have made exceptional and well-documented contributions to fostering a culture of tolerance and coexistence, promoting dialogue and mutual respect, and creating a positive and sustainable impact in communities.

Alongside the monetary prize, recipients receive a certificate of recognition and a medal, presented at a ceremony held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Honorary President of the Award.

His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance, and Chairman of the Award's Judging Committee, said: "This inaugural edition embodies the noble vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in firmly establishing the values of coexistence, tolerance and mutual respect, and in supporting international efforts to build more cohesive and stable societies. The Award reflects Bahrain's approach to translating these values into practical initiatives and policies that deliver tangible and sustainable impact, and to highlighting the experiences and achievements that build dialogue, trust and understanding among peoples and cultures."

The jury comprises Bahraini and international figures with expertise in political, parliamentary, human rights, academic, religious and international cooperation fields. Alongside His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, as Chair, its members include:

Her Excellency Ms. Katalin ?va Nov?k, former President of the Republic of Hungary and former Minister for Family Affairs;

Her Excellency Ms. Hala Mohammed Jaber Al Ansari, Adviser to His Majesty the King for Scientific and Cultural Affairs;

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Ali Al Khuzaei, member of the Shura Council and Chairman of its Human Rights Committee;

Her Excellency Ms. Jaleela Alawi Al Sayed Hassan, member of the Council of Representatives;

His Excellency Mr. Martin Chungong, former Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union; and

His Excellency Dr. Chinmay Pandya, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya and a prominent figure in the global spiritual organization All World Gayatri Pariwar.

For nomination requirements, evaluation criteria, and application submissions, please visit: www.khaward.bh

About the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance

The King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance was established in 2018 through a Royal order issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The Center was founded to achieve His Majesty the King's vision based on advancing the values of coexistence, love and respect for religions rooted in the culture of Bahraini society since ancient times.

The Center aims to recognize and highlight the shared values and commonalities that unite civilizations and cultures, fostering harmony and enriching the spirit of coexistence within the Kingdom of Bahrain. It seeks to raise awareness about the importance of acceptance and mutual understanding among all civilizations.

Furthermore, the Center is committed to promoting global peace and coexistence by emphasizing the universal principles that connect diverse civilizations. It aspires to spark an enlightenment movement grounded in the value of dialogue and the ethical and legal foundations shared across cultures.

A key focus of the Center is to combat extremist ideologies that incite violence, hatred, and terrorism. It also seeks to showcase the strength of pluralism, diversity, and coexistence as reflected in Bahraini society and its rich cultural heritage.

Media contact

Ebrahim Anwar Al Balooshi

Ebrahim.albalooshi@khgc.org.bh

ATLANTA and LONDON, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced new AI-powered Image Document Management (IDM) capabilities.

These capabilities help customs brokers, freight forwarders and logistics service providers accelerate customs entry preparation, and shipment creation and execution. With logistics-trained AI agents embedded directly into Descartes' customs and transportation solutions, organizations can transform trade documents into operationally ready data that reduces manual data entry and improves operational efficiency.

"Entering commercial invoice data is one of the most labor-intensive activities in the import process, especially when shipments include complex commercial invoices with hundreds of line items," said Scott Sangster, General Manager, Logistics Service Providers at Descartes. "Rather than simply digitizing individual documents, our agentic IDM solution interprets commercial invoices, bills of lading, packing lists and related shipment documents in context. It can extract, validate and prepare data that can immediately begin customs and transportation workflows with significantly fewer exceptions and manual corrections. By eliminating repetitive rekeying from multiple documents while remaining within existing Descartes applications, organizations can process higher shipment volumes with greater consistency and significantly less manual effort."

Leveraging Descartes' Global Logistics Network (Descartes GLN), Descartes' AI-based IDM capabilities allow organizations to process trade documents inside the Descartes applications they already use every day to create shipments or prepare customs entries. Unlike standalone AI document-processing solutions that require separate applications, custom integrations or manual handoffs between systems, Descartes' solution eliminates "swivel-chair" workflows between multiple systems while reducing implementation complexity and accelerating time-to-value. The solution also understands and processes multiple document types associated with the same shipment.

Descartes' AI-based IDM provides customs brokers, freight forwarders and logistics service providers with:

Less manual data entry with AI-enabled extraction, interpretation and preparation of customs and logistics information from commercial invoices, bills of lading, packing lists and other trade documents

Faster customs entry and shipment creation by preparing operationally ready data that can initiate customs and transportation transactions without repetitive rekeying

More consistent processing across related shipment documents with fewer exceptions, manual corrections and rework across high-volume customs and logistics operations

Ability to scale operations more efficiently with expanded document-processing capacity that supports business growth without proportional increases in staffing

Simple and functional AI adoption with logistics-trained agents embedded into existing Descartes solutions, eliminating the need for separate applications, complex integrations or customer-trained AI models

"While document processing remains one of the largest sources of manual effort in customs brokerage and logistics operations, most customers aren't looking for another separate AI application to manage documents," said Ken Wood, Executive Vice President of Product Management at Descartes. "With our solution, customers can automate one of the most time-consuming aspects of customs and logistics operations through agentic capabilities that are embedded within the Descartes platform they rely on every day. The goal is not simply to read a shipment document, but to quickly understand its logistics context and rapidly prepare the data needed to move the customs entry or shipment forward faster and more accurately."

Learn more about Descartes' AI-based Image Document Management capabilities.

About Descartes

Descartes powers more responsive, efficient, secure and sustainable international and domestic supply chains by uniting logistics-intensive businesses on its Global Logistics Network (GLN). Shippers, carriers, and logistics service providers connect and collaborate on the GLN leveraging technology, data and AI to manage last mile deliveries, domestic and international shipments, transportation rating and payment, global trade research, customs compliance and a variety of regulatory processes. Learn more about Descartes at www.descartes.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and X.

Global Media Contact

Cara Strohack

Tel: 226-750-8050

cstrohack@descartes.com

From 29 October to 1 November, Asia's premier culinary celebration spotlights exceptional fine wines and exclusive Only in Hong Kong flavours, followed by a month of citywide culinary celebrations

HONG KONG, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The annual Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival is set to return bigger and bolder this autumn, transforming the Central Stage, Central Harbourfront Event Space into a vibrant epicurean paradise from 29 October to 1 November 2026. Set against the iconic Victoria Harbour skyline, the festival will feature over 300 booths, including dedicated wine booths and dining partners, creating unique experiences for wine and food lovers alike.

Across four unforgettable days, visitors can indulge in world-class gastronomy, fine wines and vibrant live entertainment - all in one spectacular harbourfront setting. The culinary celebration will then continue throughout November with Hong Kong Wine & Dine Month, bringing exclusive dining offers, curated menus and gourmet experiences to restaurants and bars across the city.

A World-Class Celebration of Wine

Wine takes centre stage with an exceptional global line-up spanning China, France, Italy, Spain, Georgia and the United Kingdom, alongside brand-new pavilions from Australia, Canada and South Korea. From established Old World producers to emerging regions and contemporary trends such as sparkling teas, low-alcohol craft beers, Asian wines and creative cocktails, the festival offers something to suit every palate.

A major highlight this year is the spotlight on Bordeaux wines. Following the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB), visitors will enjoy unprecedented access to internationally acclaimed Bordeaux labels and exclusive tasting experiences throughout the festival.

The highly anticipated Grand Wine Pavilion will feature more than 20 exceptional selections of premium wine merchants. Within the Pavilion, over 20 expert-led masterclasses and tastings, hosted by Master Sommeliers and industry specialists, will guide guests through immersive journeys into celebrated wine regions, winemaking craftsmanship, and remarkable vintages.

Elevated Dining and Exclusive "Only in Hong Kong" Flavours

Equally anticipated is the Tasting Room, bringing together acclaimed chefs from Hong Kong and around the world. Specially created tasting menus - available exclusively during the festival - will be expertly paired with fine wines, offering guests an intimate and elevated exploration of culinary artistry and flavour innovation.

This year's line-up brings together a star - studded roster of culinary talents from around the world, including Chef Edward Lee, known to audiences worldwide through Netflix's Culinary Class Wars; Chef Thierry Marx, the World-Renowned Master of French Gastronomy recognised for his French culinary vision and distinguished Michelin-starred career; Chef Chen Zhi Ping of Shanghai's Meet the Bund, recognised by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2026, Black Pearl Restaurant Guide and Michelin accolades; and Chef Justin Yang Yan Bin of Hong Kong's newly opened contemporary Chinese dining destination QUAN, who was named first runner-up in The Divine Dish China. Each will present exclusive culinary creations for Tasting Room guests.

Beyond the signature festival experiences, this year's edition introduces an exciting new highlight: "Only in Hong Kong" Flavours. More than 100 restaurants, including Michelin-starred establishments, luxury hotels and local favourites, will showcase a remarkable line-up of signature dishes celebrating Hong Kong's rich and diverse culinary scene. From local chef-crafted specialties to iconic street food creations, these limited-edition offerings promise an authentic and unforgettable taste of the city.

Join the Festival - and Stay for Wine & Dine Month

From world-class wines to exclusive festival-only dishes, Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2026 promises a true feast for the senses. Beyond the four-day harbourfront celebration, visitors are invited to extend their stay and immerse themselves in Wine & Dine Month throughout November.

With special menus and exclusive offers at participating restaurants and bars across the city, Hong Kong transforms into a month-long showcase of culinary excellence - offering even more reasons to sip, savour and explore its dynamic dining scene. Mark your calendars now and join food and wine enthusiasts from around the world at Asia's culinary capital.

To learn more about the festival programme and start planning your trip, please visit:

https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/wine-dine-festival.html

Members of the media can download the photos and videos from the following links: https://assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems?CSRF=AiT1v80lSk6ghahjILrx&categoryId=2500&categoryTypeId=2&cachedCriteria=1

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ms Natalie Chan

Tel: 2807 6216

Email: natalie.yt.chan@hktb.com Ms Irene Tsang

Tel: 2807 6541

Email: irene.tsang@hktb.com

HARTSVILLE, S.C., Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sonoco Products Company ("Sonoco" or the "Company") (NYSE: SON), a global leader in high-value metal and paper consumer and industrial packaging, today announced Francesco Giannolo's appointment to Vice President and General Manager of Sonoco Consumer Packaging, EMEA. He reports directly to Ernest Haynes, president of Sonoco's Global Consumer Packaging segment.

Giannolo joined Sonoco in 2019 and prior to this new appointment was Vice President of Commercial for Sonoco's Consumer Packaging EMEA/APAC business. In 2022, Giannolo was appointed Vice President and General Manager of Sonoco's Rigid Paper Containers business in EMEA and held other sales leadership roles.

"As we align our global Consumer Packaging businesses, it is critical that we have a strong, experienced leader in the EMEA region. Francesco is that leader," said Ernest Haynes, president of Sonoco Global Consumer Packaging. "We look forward to even greater focus on innovation, productivity and customer service."

A native of Naples, Italy, Giannolo has worked in the packaging industry for 23 years, beginning his career at Crown Packaging in 2004 where he was named Plant Manager. He then worked with Amcor as Plant General Manager in its medical division before joining its commercial excellence team where he served as Senior Director of Commercial Excellence for EMEA. Giannolo holds a Master of Science in Environmental and Land Planning Engineering from the Federico II University of Naples.

Earlier this month, Sonoco aligned its Global Consumer Packaging businesses under a single integrated leadership structure, led by Haynes. As President of Sonoco's Global Consumer Packaging segment, Haynes is responsible for Sonoco's largest global business with roughly $5.2 billion in annual sales, 98 operations in 25 countries and 11,250 employees serving some of the best-known consumer brands around the world.

About Sonoco

Founded in 1899, Sonoco (NYSE: SON) is a global leader in value-added, sustainable metal and paper consumer and industrial packaging. A Fortune 500 company, Sonoco generated net sales of $7.5 billion from continuing operations in 2025 and has approximately 22,000 employees working in 263 operations in 37 countries, serving some of the world's best-known brands. Guided by our purpose of Better Packaging. Better Life., we strive to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and excellence to provide solutions that better serve all our stakeholders and support a more sustainable future.

Sonoco was proudly named one of the World's Most Admired Companies by Fortune in 2026 as well as one of America's Most Admired and Responsible Companies by Fortune and Newsweek. In 2025, the Company was included on USA TODAY's list of America's Climate Leaders. For more information on the Company, visit our website at www.sonoco.com.

Contact: Roger Schrum

843-339-6018

roger.schrum@sonoco.com

   

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 August 2026 - Asian Plastics & Rubber Industry Online Exhibition 2026 (AsianPLAS 2026) officially opens on August 19, launching an extended online exhibition focused on the global plastics and rubber industry.

Running through December 31, 2026, the exhibition connects international buyers with suppliers across a broad range of plastics and rubber materials, machinery, products, and related industrial applications.

Organized jointly by AsianNet and the B2B marketplace TradeAsia, AsianPLAS 2026 provides participating companies with extended international exposure while enabling buyers to discover products, review supplier information, and submit sourcing inquiries online. Through TradeAsia's B2B platform and digital matchmaking resources, the exhibition facilitates connections between global buyers and plastics and rubber suppliers, creating additional opportunities for international sourcing and cross-border business cooperation.

Expanding International Sourcing Opportunities Through Global Industry Exposure

To increase global visibility and sourcing opportunities, AsianPLAS 2026 aligns its exhibition period with several major international plastics and rubber industry events, including Expo Plast Peru, Taipei International Plastics and Rubber Industry Show, West Africa Plastprintpack, Fakuma, PLAST IMAGEN MEXICO, and IPF Japan. By running alongside major international industry exhibitions, AsianPLAS 2026 provides additional opportunities for participating suppliers to reach international buyers and expand their exposure across global markets.

Through AsianPLAS 2026, buyers can review supplier information, browse product catalogs, and directly contact exhibitors for sourcing inquiries. The platform gives international buyers convenient access to plastics and rubber manufacturers and suppliers across a wide range of materials, machinery, products, and related industry applications, while helping participating companies strengthen their international visibility and explore new business opportunities.

Comprehensive Product Categories and Industry Suppliers Across the Plastics & Rubber Sector

The exhibition brings together suppliers and manufacturers from across Asia's plastics and rubber industry. International buyers can explore products and sourcing opportunities presented by companies including ELASTIN INTERNATIONAL, YI CHI HSIUNG, SHANG-YUH MACHINE, LIO CHENG KUNG, UNILONGENTERPRISECO and KAIPHONE TECHNOLOGY.

These exhibitors represent a diverse range of products and applications across the plastics and rubber supply chain, including plastic and rubber materials, processing machinery, plastic and rubber products, packaging and containers, polymers and resins, adhesives and sealants, coatings, chemical additives, and related industrial equipment.

Supporting Global B2B Trade Through Digital Sourcing Solutions

Powered by TradeAsia's B2B platform, AsianPLAS 2026 provides exhibitors with online product showcases, supplier profiles, and digital e-catalogs designed to increase international exposure and sourcing opportunities.

International buyers can browse products and communicate with suppliers online regardless of location or time zone, making it easier to compare products, review supplier capabilities, and submit inquiries efficiently. The exhibition's extended online format also enables participating companies to maintain continuous visibility throughout the more than four-month exhibition period.

By integrating online sourcing, digital promotion, and buyer-supplier matchmaking services, AsianPLAS 2026 creates an efficient digital environment for global B2B trade and international procurement across the plastics and rubber industry.

Start Sourcing Now

Explore suppliers, discover products, and connect directly with exhibitors through the official AsianPLAS 2026 online exhibition platform:

https://www.etradeasia.com/online-show/47/Asian-Plastics-Rubber-Industry-Online-Exhibition-2026.html

About TradeAsia

TradeAsia, available at www.e-tradeasia.com, is a B2B digital marketplace connecting international buyers with suppliers across global markets. The platform brings together a broad network of buyers and suppliers with an extensive product database, helping procurement professionals discover products, identify potential suppliers, and initiate business inquiries online.

In addition to its digital platform, TradeAsia works with international trade organizations and industry exhibition organizers to connect online marketing resources with global industry events. By combining digital product exposure, international buyer reach, and industry marketing resources, TradeAsia helps suppliers strengthen their international visibility and create new opportunities for cross-border business development.

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

Hashtags: #TradeAsia

*allnex is the global market and technology leader for Sag Control Agent (SCA) resin, a unique technology enabling excellent appearance of Automotive OEM coatings.

*Today allnex announced to build its first SCA production facility in APAC, the largest global Automotive market.

*This investment will significantly improve regional supply resilience, reduce lead times, and enhance service for our customers based in the APAC region

*And it will support faster adaptation of the next-generation of SCA's including high-solid, low-bake, and sustainable "green SCA" solutions.

FRANKFURT, GERMANY - Media OutReach Newswire - 18 August 2026 - allnex, a leading global manufacturer and solution provider of coating resins and additives, today announced plans to expand its manufacturing footprint in Asia-Pacific with a strategic investment in Sag Control Agent (SCA) capacity at its Rayong site in Thailand.

Scheduled to begin operations in January 2028, this new SCA capacity investment, signifies allnex's commitment to support its customers in the world's fastest-growing automotive coatings markets.

By bringing SCA production into the APAC region, and importantly closer to customers, allnex will strengthen supply reliability, shorten lead times, and provide greater responsiveness to evolving market needs.

SCAs are a unique and cornerstone technology of allnex's Automotive OEM product portfolio and they define its market leadership position in this application. allnex SCA resins have superior sag control functionality, enabling exceptional appearance in premium high-gloss clearcoats. These specialty resins ensure that coating manufacturers are able to meet the ever increasing demands of car producers for performance, efficiency, and sustainability.

Since allnex invented SCA resins four decades ago, all allnex SCA production was concentrated in its Bergen op Zoom facility in The Netherlands. In the last few years, APAC has become the largest SCA market globally with strong future growth projections driven by increased car production and requirements for better appearance. By making this investment in APAC, allnex will not only provide customers with proximity of supply and greater assurance, it will also ensure to have enough capacity available in time, to meet future growth.

"This strategic capacity investment for a unique technology, is driven by our commitment to our customers and their growth ambitions in Asia-Pacific. By localizing SCA production in Thailand, we are responding directly to customer needs for greater supply security, shorter lead times, and faster access to innovation. The new facility will strengthen our ability and agility to support both global and regional customers in APAC and allows us to meet future market demand." said Ruben Mannien, Senior Executive Vice President APAC.

The Rayong site was selected following a comprehensive evaluation of multiple locations across the region. The site offers existing infrastructure, strong technical capabilities, and strategic proximity to key automotive manufacturing hubs, including China, India, Korea, and Southeast Asia.

The investment will include dedicated reactors for the production of SCA resins for plastic automotive parts and metal car bodies.

Beyond improving supply resilience, the new facility will support allnex's latest SCA innovations designed for next-generation clearcoat systems, including high-solid, low-bake, and more sustainable coating technologies. These solutions help customers improve productivity, reduce energy consumption, and differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market.

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, ensuring production readiness ahead of anticipated market growth.

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

Hashtags: #allnex

*This summer, Desperados and acclaimed designer Paolina Russo have created the Freeze-Fit: a limited-edition festival jacket cooled by Desperados Freeze

*Combining thermochromic fabrics, integrated cooling technology and a bold design, the jacket helps festival-goers forget the forecast and focus on letting loose

*Created to solve the classic festival dilemma of whether to bring a jacket or not, the Freeze-Fit is designed to help festival-goers forget the forecast and let loose whatever the weather, with over half (53%) globally having had their outfit plans ruined by unpredictable conditions

*The launch is the latest innovation from Desperados, which will be showing up at elrow festivals throughout the summer

AMSTERDAM, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This summer, Desperados has teamed up with acclaimed LVMH Prize-nominated designer Paolina Russo to create the ultimate festival jacket: the Freeze-Fit: a limited-edition festival jacket powered by Desperados Freeze, the brand's latest liquid innovation that transforms Desperados into an ice-cold slush.

Combining experimental fashion, integrated cooling technology and a bold design, the Freeze-Fit is designed to help festival-goers forget the forecast and focus on letting loose.

Using the same frozen liquid innovation behind Desperados Freeze, wearers simply insert the frozen drink into a dedicated pouch inside the jacket. Chilled liquid circulates through an insulated tube system integrated into the garment, while dual hidden fans built into the back maximise airflow. A discreet drinking straw built into the collar even allows festival-goers to sip their frozen Desperados hands-free without ever stepping away from the dancefloor

The result is a wearable cooling system disguised as a statement festival jacket.

And the inspiration came from a dilemma every festival-goer knows all too well: do you bring a jacket or not?

Wear one and you're carrying it around all day in the heat. Leave it at home and you're wishing you hadn't as soon as the temperature drops. For a generation used to checking the weather app before heading out, the forecast has become an unavoidable part of festival planning. Yet festivals are supposed to be about living in the moment, not second-guessing what to wear.

So Desperados decided to create a jacket designed to take the forecast out of the equation.

With research revealing that more than half (53%) of festival-goers saying they have had a festival outfit ruined by unpredictable weather, while more than a quarter (26%) have left a festival early because of it. Despite attending festivals to have fun and let loose, over a third (35%) say weather-related outfit concerns stop them from making the most of the experience.

For many, the decision starts before they've even left home: bring a jacket and risk overheating, or leave it behind and risk regretting it later. The Freeze-Fit is designed to eliminate that compromise, helping festival-goers stay focused on the moment rather than the forecast.

Designed by Paolina Russo, the Freeze-Fit pairs innovative functionality with the designer's signature use of bold colour, texture and experimentation. Crafted using thermochromic materials, the jacket changes appearance as temperatures shift, creating a dynamic visual effect that evolves throughout the day and night. As the temperature changes, so does the design.

Beyond the performance features, the Freeze-Fit also tackles the festival frustration of standing out from the crowd. Over half (54%) admit that they see a lot of the same clothes and styles at festivals, and nearly half of Gen Z (45%) find it hard to find a unique item for the occasion. This limited-edition jacket offers a distinctive addition to any festival wardrobe that can be worn for years to come.

The Freeze-Fit celebrates the launch of Desperados Freeze, the latest innovation to emerge from Desperados. The brand explores where beer and culture collide to create unexpected ideas, bold collaborations and playful innovations designed to help people let loose their way.

A limited number of jackets will be made available through a giveaway, with further details to be announced.

Ligia Patrocinio, Global Head of Desperados said, "Every festival starts with the same question: do I bring a jacket or not? We loved the idea of taking that familiar dilemma and solving it in a completely unexpected Desperados way. The Freeze-Fit is designed to help people forget the forecast, stay cool when the energy rises and focus on what festivals are really about, letting loose with friends. That's exactly the kind of experimentation Deseperados is known for."

Paolina Russo and Lucile Guilmard, the co-founders of Paolina Russo, said, "With shared values of experimentation, colour and vibrancy, there was no question about collaborating with Desperados. Our work has always been rooted in connection, shared memories and self-expression, which resonates with the Desperados ethos of living freely and creating memories with friends. The Freeze-Fit brings this to life through bold colours and an innovative blend of textiles and technology."

Appearing at elrow festivals globally, Desperados is testing and launching new ideas like the Freeze-Fit and the Desperados Freeze drink. All innovations are designed to reimagine nights out for a new era of socialising to help consumers let loose their way, from festivals to late-night dancefloors.

Images are available HERE.

Media contact: desperados@wearetheromans.com

Expanded facility increases engineering, production and customer support capacity for European and global allied forces

OSLO, Norway, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spectra Defense Technologies Norway (Spectra) today announced the opening of its larger, significantly upgraded office and production facility in Sk?yen, further expanding the company's ability to support the evolving mission needs of European and allied forces operating across the globe.

The new facility provides the Spectra Norway team with the additional space and enhanced engineering, production and system integration infrastructure needed to support growing customer demand for current and next-generation command, control, computers, communications, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) capabilities. The investment reflects the company's continued growth in Europe and its long-term commitment to strengthening trusted, in-region capabilities.

Located in one of Oslo's premier innovation districts, the new Sk?yen facility spans approximately 2,300 m? (25,000 sq ft) and houses advanced production, test, engineering and research and development capabilities, along with dedicated project collaboration areas and modern office facilities.

Spectra Norway has established itself as a trusted provider of high-performance computing and data recording solutions for C5ISR, air defense and autonomous platforms. In response to strong and sustained customer demand, the company has invested in this state-of-the-art facility, more than doubling its engineering and manufacturing capacity. The expansion positions Spectra Norway for continued growth and reinforces its commitment to delivering innovative, mission-critical technologies to defense and security customers worldwide.

"The investment in our new Oslo facility strengthens our ability to meet evolving customer demands and deliver the next-generation solutions European and allied forces need to maintain an information advantage across all domains," said Erlend M?yland, CEO of Spectra Norway. "The new facility gives our team greater capacity to provide responsive engineering and production while continuing to invest in the trusted solutions and expertise that has made Oslo central to Spectra's European operations."

Norway serves as a central hub within Spectra's global engineering and production footprint, with nearly two decades of experience developing and delivering trusted, mission-proven capabilities to NATO members and allied forces operating across the globe. This includes ongoing work with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace on the Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) program, where Spectra Norway's Realtime Computer XSR RTC Version 2 is being integrated under a multi-million-dollar production award announced in 2025.

The expansion to the new facility comes as NATO and global allied forces accelerate the shift toward multi-domain operations and data-centric command and control. This shift is increasing demand for enhanced, secure and interoperable technologies that connect assets and sensors across domains, decrease the cognitive load for end users and significantly enhance mission effectiveness in operational environments.

At the center of Spectra Norway's operation is the XSR product line, including the newly released XSR Spire rugged mission computer, as well as the newly launched G2 Ultra Rugged microNAS. Designed, developed and manufactured in Norway, these next-generation edge capabilities support unmanned systems and other distributed platforms by helping forces move and process information faster, protect sensitive data, strengthen situational awareness and enhance decision-making capabilities at the tactical edge.

XSR Spire provides high-performance edge computing in a compact, rugged form factor for unmanned systems, sensor payloads and other space-constrained platforms. The G2 Ultra Rugged microNAS provides high-bandwidth data capture and storage in an ultra-compact system designed for autonomous platforms, distributed sensors and other demanding applications.

Spectra will welcome customers, partners and key stakeholders to the official opening of the Sk?yen facility on Aug. 19 at 1:00 p.m. local time. Guests will tour the new offices and production areas, meet members of the Spectra Norway team and learn more about the company's growth plans and future capabilities.

About Spectra Defense Technologies

Spectra Defense Technologies is a global provider of leading C5ISR solutions for aerospace and defense customers. With over 35 years of proven performance and differentiated expertise, we deliver fully integrated mission systems, data recorders, secure networking, edge computing, robust data-at-rest encryption and advanced visualization that capture, process, and display mission-critical data across air, land, sea, and space. Backed by engineering, sales, and production teams in North America and Europe, Spectra combines global reach with agile innovation to meet evolving end-user needs with speed and precision. Guided by a culture of innovation and deep customer partnership, we build enduring trust through open-architecture designs, technical excellence, and resilient systems designed to meet today's mission needs and anticipate tomorrow's demands for the U.S., NATO, European defense organizations, and allied partners worldwide. Visit spectradefense.tech to learn more.

Contact:

Evangela Rodgers

Spectra Defense Technologies

evangela.rodgers@spectradefense.tech

Marking a new approach to innovation in medical robotics, the new centre will bring advances from a leading surgical robotics research group to patients more quickly

Smith+Nephew (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN), the global medical technology company, and Imperial College London have launched a five-year partnership to deliver breakthrough research and innovation for robotic surgery for musculoskeletal conditions.

The first-in-kind partnership will bring together a globally renowned academic laboratory with engineers from Smith+Nephew to accelerate the translation of academic breakthroughs in fields such as computer vision and sensing into advanced techniques in robotic surgery.

The techniques will be designed to make robotic surgery less invasive and more intuitive and usable by more than just the specialist centres, leading to better outcomes for patients.

The centre's launch marks both the first time that UK multinational Smith+Nephew has founded a centre of this kind within a university, and Imperial's first industry centre in the field of medical technology. 

Departing from traditional models of innovation in medical technology, which is usually carried out by companies or licensed from universities, Smith+Nephew's experts will work directly with university researchers to co-develop new solutions and will use its scale to bring the cutting-edge techniques to adoption more rapidly than would otherwise be possible.

The new centre will be led Professor Ferdinando Rodriguez y Baena in Imperial's Department of Mechanical Engineering, co-director of the Hamlyn Centre, whose group works on robotics for orthopaedic surgery. At full capacity, the centre will support a senior postdoctoral researcher and up to seven fully-funded PhD studentships, recruited progressively across the five-year programme, working with Smith+Nephew engineers and clinicians in the same space.

The new university technology centre will be situated within Imperial's Hamlyn Centre, part of the Institute of Global Health Innovation and a driver of research in robotic surgery.

Research will focus on making robotic surgery less invasive and available beyond specialist centres. Research topics include markerless registration and tracking, which removes the pins and rigid markers that current systems bolt to bone, meaning fewer incisions and less hardware for the patient, and better consistency for the surgeon. Another topic is computer vision that reads and adapts to a patient's anatomy in real time.

Vasant Padmanabhan, President of Research & Development, ENT and Emerging Markets at Smith+Nephew, said, "In Smith+Nephew's 170th year, we are proud to partner with a university that embodies a similar heritage in UK medical innovation. By embedding industry experts within one of the world's leading engineering schools, this centre has the potential to move research into operating theatres at pace, transforming patient outcomes and enhancing the surgical experience."

Professor Ferdinando Rodriguez y Baena from Imperial College London said: "Translational research on health devices has historically had two main routes to patients: licensing or spinout companies. This centre establishes a third: academic engineers working hand-in-hand to help develop products with a major industry partner. There is no doubt that the innovations discovered within this centre will hold major impact for the medical technology industry as a whole and its patients."

Professor Mary Ryan, Vice-Provost (Research and Enterprise) at Imperial College London, said, "Working directly with Smith+Nephew, will allow us to bring advanced innovations rapidly to the clinic, drawing on Imperial's world-leading academic expertise and the company's resources and sectoral knowledge. We look forward to further expanding our large-scale partnerships with industry in this space and bringing innovations in medical technology to patients more quickly."

Media Enquiries

David Silverman,PhD                     +44 (0)7985 230 707

Imperial College London                d.silverman@imperial.ac.uk

Charles Reynolds                           +44 1923 477312

Smith+Nephew                              charles.reynolds@smith-nephew.com

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

QIONGHAI, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 18 August 2026 - On the evening of August 16, 2026, the 7th Hainan Sports Games opened at the Qionghai Culture and Sports Center. Feng Fei, Secretary of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee, declared the Games open, and Liu Xiaoming, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee and Governor of Hainan Province, delivered the opening address.

This marks the first comprehensive sporting event held in Hainan since the island-wide special customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port of China took effect.

The opening ceremony, themed "This Sea Embraces All," featured a cultural performance structured around the Wanquan River as its narrative thread. Dynamic ground projection technology brought the river "into" the stadium, showcasing Hainan's development trajectory, from its ecological splendor to its ever-expanding openness.

The performance comprised chapters including "Wanquan River in Pictures," "Hainan Flowers Facing the Sun," "Passion in Motion," "Hainan Acceleration," and "Under the Same Expanse of Blue," integrating Hainan's revolutionary heritage, mass participation in sports, the Free Trade Port's "Five-Pronged Development" strategy, and the spirit of openness embodied by Boao. Chief Director Wu Wanting said she hoped the imagery of the Wanquan River would convey a sense of "the sea and sky becoming one, and hearts beating as one."

One of the highlights of this year's Provincial Games is extensive public participation. Fourteen community contingents and more than 10,000 residents voluntarily signed up for the pre-opening ceremony group singing activities. More than 700 performers in the warm-up program came from 21 community groups, ranging in age from 6 to 72, truly embodying the spirit of "performed by the people, watched by the people, and enjoyed by the people."

More than 4,200 athletes from 18 delegations across the province are competing in 18 sports comprising 21 disciplines. As home to the permanent home of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) and the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, Qionghai is using the Provincial Games as a showcase for the vitality and openness of a "New Qionghai Powered by the Free Trade Port." The Games will continue until August 26.

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

Hashtags: #CultureandTourismofGuizhouProvince #Qionghai

Award recognizes Syncron's  measurable gains in support speed, quality, customer satisfaction, and operational performance

STOCKHOLM, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Syncron today announced it has won a Bronze Stevie Award for Customer Service Department of the Year in The 23rd Annual International Business Awards (IBAs). 

The award recognizes Syncron's 2025 support transformation, which reduced support ticket backlog by 46 percent while improving responsiveness, service quality, and customer satisfaction.

The winning nomination, "Eliminating Backlog While Delivering Faster, Higher-Quality Support," highlighted the actions Syncron implemented throughout 2025 to further enhance an already strong customer experience by improving ticket prioritization, strengthening customer communication, and maintaining quality while increasing support speed.

Judges praised the submission for its clear, results-driven approach. One judge pointed to the reduction in backlog, along with a 95.33 percent ticket satisfaction score, and SLA attainment above 98% as evidence of a support organization that is "not only efficient but consistently reliable." Another judge commended the team for keeping the after-sales journey "simple and effortless," noting that Syncron's success "is a strong reminder that while technology can enable better service, genuine care for customers should always come first."

Syncron's nomination highlighted a set of 2025 support initiatives designed to improve responsiveness without compromising quality. These included more proactive ticket management, increased direct customer interaction, structured quality audits, targeted support training, and new Technical Account Management and Resolution Management teams to strengthen adoption, product health, and ticket prioritization.

"This recognition belongs to our entire support organization," said Osama Solieman, EVP of Customer Excellence at Syncron. "The team, led by our amazing support leaders, set out to solve a real challenge without ever losing sight of what matters most: the customer on the other end of every ticket. This award reflects their genuine commitment to delivering a better after-sales experience."

The International Business Awards are the world's premier business awards program. All individuals and organizations worldwide ? public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small - are eligible to submit nominations. The 2026 IBAs received more than 3,400 entries from organizations in 82 nations and territories.

Stevie? Award nominations were evaluated by more than 200 business professionals worldwide serving as judges on 9 specialized committees. Stevie Award winners were determined based on judges' average scores during the independent judging process in June and July.

"The 2026 International Business Awards winners represent the very best in business achievement from organizations of all sizes and across virtually every industry," said Stevie Awards President Maggie Miller. "This year's winners have demonstrated exceptional innovation, leadership, resilience, and results in a highly competitive global field. We congratulate every Stevie Award winner and look forward to celebrating their achievements together in Paris on October 28."

Details about The International Business Awards and the lists of Stevie Award winners are available at  http://IBA.Stevieawards.com

About Syncron  

Syncron is the aftermarket growth platform for the world's leading manufacturers and distributors. Trusted by customers across more than 80 countries, Syncron offers connected solutions across parts and service pricing, service supply chain management, and warranty management. Global heavy equipment and automotive brands use Syncron to protect revenue, grow margins, and strengthen customer relationships across the asset lifecycle. For more, visit www.syncron.com.

About the Stevie? Awards 

Founded in 2002, the Stevie Awards are widely recognized as the world's premier business awards programs, honoring outstanding achievements in the workplace worldwide. The name "Stevie" is derived from the Greek name Stephanos, meaning "crowned." Learn more at www.StevieAwards.com.

Contact: 

KC Crabtree 

Syncron Public Relations 

+1 206.949.2551 

Karen.crabtree@syncron.com

Driving the Thai Economy and Charting New Strategic Pathways for the Future of ASEAN

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 18 August 2026 - The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB), comprising the Thai Bankers' Association, the Board of Trade of Thailand, and the Federation of Thai Industries, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Thailand, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), and the World Bank, has announced its readiness to convene a high-level leadership conference, 'The Bangkok Business Summit 2026,' under the theme 'Reinvent Thailand, Resilient ASEAN.'

To be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), the summit will showcase the vision of public-private sector collaboration aimed at restructuring Thailand's economy. This event serves as a milestone paving the way toward the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026, which Thailand will proudly host in Bangkok in October 2026, as well as Thailand's upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028.

A key highlight of The Bangkok Business Summit 2026 includes a keynote address entitled 'Thailand's Offer to the World' by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand. The address will declare Thailand's readiness as a global investment hub, shifting the nation from cost-based competition to enhancing capabilities, innovation, and digital infrastructure.

Furthermore, Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, will deliver a policy address on 'Unlocking the Next Growth Engines for Thailand & ASEAN,' revealing policy reform steps designed to unlock private sector investment and drive the country's new economic engines. Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, will address positioning Thailand as a regional investment platform for high-tech industries.

Mr. Payong Srivanich, Chairman of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB), stated that this event aims to answer a critical question: How can Thailand transform global shifts and its central location in ASEAN into new opportunities for investment, job creation, and sustainable growth?

"The Bangkok Business Summit 2026 is not merely a platform for exchanging perspectives, but a venue where Thailand presents its concrete strengths, opportunities, and development directions to the global business community-bridging the government's vision, recommendations from international organizations, and the practical expertise of the private sector," Mr. Payong stated."Thailand's challenge today is not just growth, but building competitive growth in a rapidly changing world. We need a platform for collaborative efforts to 'Reinvent Thailand' by creating new economic engines and elevating our competitiveness so Thailand can capture new opportunities and become an integral part of a 'Resilient ASEAN' capable of adapting to global dynamics."

Key Highlights & Session Overview

*Special Keynote: Mr. Vitai Ratanakorn, Governor of the Bank of Thailand, will present on 'Thailand's New Horizons: From Ambition to Delivery.'

*Global Insights Panel: Featuring in-depth discussions with Mr. Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, World Bank Vice President for East Asia and Pacific, Mr. Sarvesh Suri, Regional Vice President for Asia and Pacific, The International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Mr. John W.H. Denton, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) exchanging views on economic trends, investments, and business opportunities.

*Report Launch: Launch of the World Bank's latest report, 'Building Thailand's Future Today: The Investment and Growth Playbook.' The report proposes a roadmap for Thailand to achieve high-income country status through investment and reforms that create jobs, boost productivity, and lay the foundation for long-term growth, highlighting potential industries such as advanced manufacturing, sustainable & wellness tourism, digital services, agriculture & food, and the creative economy.

*Luncheon Discussion: Thai Beverage Public Company Limited will host a special session entitled 'Growth Reaches Communities: Sufficiency Economy Philosophy,' presenting the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy as a framework that creates balance, strength, and sustainability from local communities to the business sector and macroeconomy.

Afternoon Tracks

Track 1: Building Resilience (Infrastructure, Energy, and Digital Finance): Led by Mr. Piti Disyatat, Deputy Governor for Monetary Stability, Bank of Thailand, in building competitiveness and the ability to attract future industries to the country. The session will include discussions on the topics of 'Efficient Energy & Low-Carbon Infrastructure' and 'Policy Architecture and Low-Carbon Cities in Action' focusing on investing in key infrastructure that will drive the industrial transition to a low-carbon society, with leaders from various sectors, including the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, PTT Public Company Limited, Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited, Siam Cement Public Company Limited, Thai Airways Public Company Limited, and Google LLC and the topic of 'Building Thailand's Trusted Economy: Digital Public Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth,' focusing on digital public infrastructure in the financial sector for sustainable growth, and safe and inclusive digital finance, with senior executives from Bangkok Bank, Krungsri Bank, TMBThanachart Bank, and Ascend Money.

Track 2: New Horizons (Future Industries, Agri-Food, and Human-Centric Economy): Led by Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, focusing on developing high-potential talent within organizations and positioning Thailand as a regional investment platform for high-tech industries, semiconductors, AI infrastructure, and advanced R&D.

Additionally, the Bangkok Business Summit 2026 will feature a panel discussion titled 'The Future of Agrifood Business.' Under the concept of Elevating to a Regional Strategic Asset, leaders from top companies including Sea Value PCL and Olam Agri (Singapore) will share their perspectives on how Thailand's agrifood industry is evolving beyond its traditional role as the 'Kitchen of the World' to become a vital strategic asset for regional food security, and another discussion on 'The Future of the Human-Centric Economy,' integrating health, wellness, tourism, and the creative economy centered around people rather than isolated sectors. Panelists include Minor International, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), and Cerecin.

Closing & Actions

To conclude the summit, leaders from the three JSCCIB member organizations will summarize actionable proposals to transform insights into concrete practices. These encompass enhancing competitiveness, building investment ecosystems, and developing future industries. The event will culminate in the signing of a Letter of Intent for Cooperation on the Digital & AI Compact between Thailand's economic agencies and the World Bank.

Note: Speakers and the event program are subject to change without prior notice due to unforeseen circumstances. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

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

Hashtags: #JSCCIB

Company will highlight medical silicone pump tubing, Para-tubing solutions for ophthalmic applications, and PTA/PTCA precision interventional tubing technologies to support medical device innovation

Wayne, PA, Aug. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TekniPlex Healthcare, a materials science-led partner for medical device manufacturers, will showcase its advanced materials, precision tubing, and component manufacturing capabilities at Medtec China 2026, taking place September 1-3, 2026, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). 

At Booth 2A112, Hall N2, visitors can explore how TekniPlex combines global materials and extrusion expertise with localized manufacturing to help OEMs optimize device performance, simplify supply chains, and scale production with confidence. 

As one of China's leading exhibitions for medical device design and manufacturing technologies, Medtec China brings together medical device manufacturers, innovators, and industry suppliers from across the healthcare value chain. At the show, TekniPlex Healthcare will demonstrate how its expertise in materials science, advanced processing technologies, and local manufacturing capabilities helps customers develop safer, more reliable, and higher-performance medical devices. 

With nearly 60 years of materials science expertise, global manufacturing capabilities, and strong local presence in China, TekniPlex Healthcare supports customers across medical devices, diagnostics, drug delivery, and healthcare packaging markets. 

At Medtec China 2026, TekniPlex Healthcare will highlight three key healthcare solutions: 

Medical Silicone Pump Tubing Solutions 

TekniPlex Healthcare will showcase high-performance medical silicone pump tubing solutions designed to support dependable pump life and consistent fluid delivery in medical pumping applications. Leveraging advanced silicone formulation development and processing technologies, TekniPlex provides medical silicone tubing with excellent elasticity, fatigue resistance, and long-term performance stability. These solutions meet the demanding requirements of peristaltic pumps, infusion pumps, and other medical fluid management devices for precise delivery and reliable operation. 

Through optimized material formulations and controlled manufacturing processes, TekniPlex helps customers achieve consistent flow control performance and supports the development and performance enhancement of medical devices. 

Para-tubing Solutions for Ophthalmic Surgical Applications 

To address the needs of ophthalmic minimally invasive surgical devices for precision fluid management and multi-row, compact multi-line tubing configurations, TekniPlex Healthcare will showcase its Para-tubing solutions for ophthalmic applications. 

Through advanced material formulation development, precision extrusion technologies, and structural design optimization, Para-tubing enables the precise arrangement and integration of multiple independent tubing lines within limited space. It supports demanding requirements for fluid and gas delivery, design flexibility, and consistent product quality in surgical devices. 

This solution is ideal for medical applications requiring high-precision, structurally diverse, and multifunctional tubing assemblies, including ophthalmic surgical devices. 

PTA/PTCA Precision Interventional Tubing Solutions 

TekniPlex Healthcare will highlight its PTA/PTCA precision interventional tubing solutions developed for minimally invasive medical device applications. Leveraging advanced precision extrusion, multi-layer extrusion, and micro-tubing manufacturing capabilities, TekniPlex China provides customized tubing solutions including single-layer and multi-layer balloon catheter tubing, three-layer inner tubing, and other precision medical tubing solutions. These solutions are designed to achieve low friction, bondability, dimensional control, and trackability requirements, while meeting the stringent requirements of interventional medical device development, including dimensional accuracy, concentricity, material performance, structural design flexibility, and manufacturing consistency. 

In addition to the product showcase, TekniPlex China will participate in the "Frontier Design and Translation Forum for Implantable and Interventional Medical Devices" during Medtec China 2026. On September 2, from 14:30 to 15:00, Phoebe Fan, Business Manager of TekniPlex China, will deliver a presentation titled "Localization of Vascular Interventional Tubing - TekniPlex's Reliable Solution" at Conference Room A, Hall N2. The presentation will share TekniPlex's capabilities and experience in localized manufacturing of precision vascular interventional tubing solutions. 

"Medtec China is an important platform for us to connect with medical device innovators, understand market needs, and showcase our technical capabilities," said Enrique Zhang, Commercial Director, TekniPlex China. "As China's medical device industry continues to move toward higher-value and more sophisticated applications, customers are increasingly looking for reliable partners with advanced materials expertise, precision manufacturing capabilities, and strong supply chain support. TekniPlex Healthcare is committed to working closely with customers to accelerate medical device innovation." 

Through its participation in Medtec China 2026, TekniPlex Healthcare will continue strengthening collaboration with medical device companies in China and providing integrated solutions from material selection and product design support through scalable regional manufacturing. 

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About TekniPlex Healthcare

TekniPlex Healthcare utilizes advanced materials science expertise and technologies to develop and deliver critical solutions for medical and diagnostic devices, drug delivery systems and sterile barrier healthcare packaging applications.

With a global reach, the division's deep understanding of the greater pharmaceuticals and medical landscape helps it produce exemplary barrier properties for drugs and precision medical devices for interventional and therapeutic procedures.   

  

In the medical device niche, TekniPlex Healthcare embodies a comprehensive CDMO partner capable of servicing every stage of the product life cycle, from design and development through component manufacturing and final assembly. Throughout its broad purview, the division's ever-evolving portfolio helps meet demands for high-leverage medicines and mission-critical healthcare products that benefit care providers and patients. For more information visit www.tekni-plex.com/healthcare.   

Contact Info

Natalia Rivera

natalia.rivera@tekni-plex.com

+1 480-395-3130

Attachments

PTA PTCA Tubing Product Solution

TekniPlex MedTech China 2026 Booth

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

*Nominating and Governance Chair Carol Burt to become Lead Director.

*Ron Taylor to retire after more than 21 years of service on Resmed's Board of Directors.

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Resmed (NYSE: RMD, ASX: RMD), the leading health technology company focused on sleep, breathing and care delivered in the home, today announced that Carol Burt will become Lead Director on November 15, 2026. She will succeed Ron Taylor, Resmed's current Lead Director, who is not standing for reelection at the company's 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on November 18, 2026, and will retire after more than 21 years of service to the company.

The Board has appointed Carol Burt to serve as Lead Director, effective November 15, 2026. Burt has served on Resmed's Board since 2013 and currently chairs the Nominating and Governance Committee. She is also a member of the Audit Committee and the Compliance, Privacy and Quality Committee. Burt's extensive board leadership and governance experience position her well to serve as Lead Director as the company continues to execute its long-term strategy.

"Carol is an outstanding leader with deep governance experience, broad healthcare industry knowledge and a strong commitment to Resmed's mission," said Mick Farrell, Resmed's Chairman and CEO. "I look forward to continuing to work closely with Carol and the entire Board as we advance our strategy and create long-term value for our shareholders."

Ron Taylor joined Resmed's Board of Directors in 2005 and has served in numerous leadership roles, including as Lead Director since 2013. During his tenure, Ron helped guide the company's governance, strategy and long-term growth while providing thoughtful leadership and independent oversight during a period of significant growth and transformation.

"Ron has made extraordinary contributions to Resmed over the past two decades," said Farrell. "His integrity, sound judgment and unwavering commitment to our patients, employees and shareholders have helped shape Resmed. On behalf of the Board and all Resmedians, I thank Ron for his outstanding service and wish him and his family all the very best."

About Resmed

Resmed (NYSE: RMD, ASX: RMD) creates life-changing health technologies that people love. We're relentlessly committed to pioneering innovative technology to empower millions of people in 140 countries to live happier, healthier lives. Our AI-powered digital health solutions, cloud-connected devices and intelligent software make home healthcare more personalized, accessible and effective. Ultimately, Resmed envisions a world where every person can achieve their full potential through better sleep and breathing, with care delivered in their own home. Learn more at Resmed.com and follow @Resmed.

For Media

Brad Lotterman

Brad.Lotterman@resmed.com

News@resmed.com

For Investors 

Salli Schwartz

Salli.Schwartz@resmed.com

investorrelations@resmed.com  

NOAA Publishes Notice of Intent in the Federal Register to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for TMC USA's USA-B Exploration License Application

*The publication of a Notice of Intent ("NOI") to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") represents a key milestone in the transparent regulatory approval process for TMC USA's USA-B exploration license application

*The USA-B application area covers -122,000 km2 of seafloor containing an estimated 1.02 billion tonnes of polymetallic nodules with high grades of nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, and meaningful quantities of many rare earth elements

*Publication of the NOI in the Federal Register follows NOAA's earlier certification of the USA-B exploration license application on May 26, 2026

NEW YORK, Aug. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TMC the metals company Inc. (Nasdaq: TMC) ("TMC" or the "Company"), a leading developer of the world's largest resource of critical metals essential to energy, defense, manufacturing and infrastructure, today announced that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ("NOAA") has published a Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement in the Federal Register for the exploration license application submitted by the Company's subsidiary, The Metals Company USA LLC ("TMC USA"), under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act ("DSHMRA") and its implementing regulations.

The USA-B application area in the Clarion Clipperton Zone ("CCZ") of the Pacific Ocean covers ~122,000 km2 of seafloor and hosts an estimated 1.02 billion tonnes of polymetallic nodules based on TMC's Technical Report Summary for the Initial Assessment published in August 2025. In addition to the USA-B exploration license application, TMC USA is also advancing a consolidated application for an exploration license and commercial recovery permit for the USA-A area, which was submitted to NOAA on January 22, 2026, and determined to be fully compliant on April 28, 2026.

Gerard Barron, CEO and Chairman of The Metals Company, commented: "The publication of this Notice of Intent is another milestone in NOAA's methodical review process. We welcome the opportunity to participate in a rigorous Environmental Impact Statement process that invites public input and builds on more than a decade of our own environmental research and engineering, alongside 50 years of environmental research and a dozen other commercial and academic disturbance tests in the CCZ. As we've said from the beginning, good regulation should be transparent, predictable and grounded in rigorous baseline studies and impact assessment, and today's announcement demonstrates that process is continuing as intended."

The publication of the NOI follows the earlier certification of TMC USA's application for an exploration license over the USA-B area and represents another key step in a steady, transparent cadence of expected regulatory milestones:

NOAA will publish for public comment a draft EIS and draft Terms, Conditions and Restrictions ("TCRs") for TMC USA's proposed exploration activities on the USA-B area

Following the public comment period, NOAA will consider comments and the EIS will be finalized

NOAA will then make a final determination on the issuance of the license and its associated TCRs

The Company and its partners have conducted over a decade of scientific research, environmental baseline and impact data collection, and offshore engineering, building one of the most comprehensive datasets ever assembled on polymetallic nodules and their surrounding ecosystems. To date, independent academics have published 41 peer-reviewed studies based on the Company's dataset collected from Eastern CCZ. Earlier this year, TMC began sharing key findings from its Environmental Impact Assessment publicly as part of two new video series, highlighting how its dataset addresses environmental concerns and how innovation has reduced its environmental footprint. The exploratory activities outlined as part of TMC USA's USA-B exploration license application are expected to generate significant new data in Central and Western CCZ and, with all academics involved free to publish, the Company anticipates that hundreds more papers will be published over the coming months and years.

NOAA has played a central role in advancing scientific understanding of deep seabed mining impacts since the 1970s, including conducting environmental research cruises in the CCZ, monitoring early nodule collection trials, and publishing a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement covering the CCZ in 1981. In the 1980s and 1990s, NOAA conducted further research into benthic plumes through its Benthic Impact Experiments program where the agency used a custom-built machine to simulate and study seafloor disturbance. The agency issued comprehensive DSHMRA implementing regulations in 1981 (for exploration licenses) and 1989 (for commercial recovery permits) and has maintained an active licensing program since that time, with multiple exploration licenses renewed on a five-year basis.

About The Metals Company

The Metals Company is a developer of lower-impact critical metals from seafloor polymetallic nodules, on a dual mission: (1) supply metals for energy, defense, manufacturing and infrastructure with net positive impacts compared to conventional production routes and (2) trace, recover and recycle the metals we supply to help create a metal commons that can be used in perpetuity. The Company has conducted more than a decade of research into the environmental and social impacts of offshore nodule collection and onshore processing. More information is available at www.metals.co. 

Contacts

Media | media@metals.co

Investors | investors@metals.co 

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

Smith+Nephew (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN), the global medical technology company, today announces a breakthrough in RF resection technology for hip with its new FLOW FLEXTEND COBLATION Wand.

Designed as an extension of its proprietary FLOW-IQ technology with an adjustable-angle tip, the FLOW FLEXTEND Wand is designed to give surgeons enhanced joint access1* and precise tissue targeting3 for hard-to-reach hip, knee and shoulder anatomies.

Determining the root cause of a patient's hip pain can be very challenging and repairs are procedurally complex. Current wand offerings - such as knee wands that have simply been made longer - fall short of surgeons' needs for an improved option to better access all targeted tissues. The FLOW FLEXTEND Wand solves this unmet need with a wand designed by hip surgeons specifically for hip procedures with features including:

Proprietary, high performing FLOW-IQ Technology: Clinically and commercially validated since 2016, FLOW-|Q Technology automatically balances saline outflow with COBLATION energy, delivering exceptional precision or speed2,4**based on clinical need.

Precision electrode design with adjustable-angle tip: Designed to improve and expand access1* to targeted tissues while facilitating insertion and removal by straightening the shaft.

Set and forget angle adjustment mechanism: Once a desired angle is set, the surgeon may release their hand from the mechanism without touching it again unless required for further adjustments.5

Feedback from the surgeon community using the FLOW FLEXTEND COBLATION Wand for the first time has been encouraging:

Dr. Joshua D. Harris, Orthopedic Surgeon at Houston Methodist specializing in sports medicine and hip preservation commented, "The articulation gives the FLOW FLEXTEND COBLATION Wand a significant advantage, and a lot more versatility in the central compartment without capsular disruption than any of the other instruments I have used before."

Dr. Jovan Laskovski, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center added, "The FLOW FLEXTEND COBLATION Wand's tip geometry - and the fact that it's flexible - allows for a precise capsule-to-labrum recess and preservation of the capsule."

The FLOW FLEXTEND Wand utilizes Smith+Nephew's proprietary COBLATION Technology - clinically proven to improve patient outcomes compared to mechanical debridement.6-8? Continuing to evolve over three decades of research and innovation, including refined wand designs, improved delivery systems and expanded indications, COBLATION Technology continues to set the gold standard for resection.

For more information about Smith+Nephew's FLOW FLEXTEND COBLATION Wand and FLOW~IQ Technology, please visit the webpage here.

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Media Enquiries

Dave Snyder                +1 (978) 749-1440

Smith+Nephew        david.snyder@smith-nephew.com