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Tokenized Equities Surge 140% in 2026 as New DeFiLlama Research Maps the Market

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:58:00 +0700

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Aug. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), today highlighted key findings from a new independent DeFiLlama research report examining the rapid growth and evolving market structure of tokenized equities.

According to the report, tokenization's active market capitalization has grown by more than 140% in 2026, increasing from $814 million at the beginning of the year to nearly $2 billion at the time of publication.

The research explores how leading tokenized equity platforms are evolving across market structure, liquidity, settlement, and execution quality as adoption continues to accelerate.

The report evaluates leading tokenized equity platforms across brokerage integration, reserve verification, dividend treatment, settlement mechanisms, and trading infrastructure. It also benchmarks quoted liquidity and execution quality across multiple venues, providing an independent assessment of how the tokenized equities market is evolving.

DeFiLlama's analysis found that Bitget recorded the lowest median bid-ask spread at 0.83 basis points and the deepest top-of-book liquidity across all five tokenized equity markets evaluated. In its broader execution benchmark covering 36 stock perpetuals and eight metals and commodity perpetuals, Bitget led 32, 34 and 33 contracts across the 5, 10 and 50 basis point depth measurements respectively, while also recording the greatest aggregate order-book depth across all measured depth ranges. The findings suggest that as tokenized equity infrastructure matures, execution quality and liquidity are becoming increasingly important differentiators between platforms.

"A tokenized stock is only as good as the market behind it. Investors don't care how the asset is packaged if they can't trade it efficiently," said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. "That's why liquidity and execution matter. DeFiLlama found Bitget recorded the lowest median bid-ask spread and the deepest top-of-book liquidity across the markets they evaluated. As this market grows, those are the things investors will increasingly expect."

The report also examines adoption trends within Bitget's Reality rTokens, which generated more than $1.16 billion in cumulative trading volume between June and July. Semiconductor and technology-linked assets accounted for the majority of activity, underscoring continued demand for tokenized exposure to innovation-driven public companies.

For more information, read the full DeFiLlama report here.

About Bitget

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

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

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

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

Danantara Reopens DPT Registration to Accelerate Waste-to-Energy Project Development in Indonesia

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:52:00 +0700

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Aug. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Indonesia's waste-to-energy ("WtE") development enters its next phase as PT Danantara Investment Management ("DIM"), through its subsidiary PT Daya Energi Bersih Nusantara ("Denera"), announces the re-opening of registration for Daftar Penyedia Terseleksi ("DPT") as a pre-qualification under the Danantara WtE or Pengelolaan Sampah Menjadi Energi Listrik (PSEL) Program.

As Indonesia accelerates efforts to address growing urban waste challenges while building a cleaner energy base, Denera serves as the integrated waste management company established by DIM to lead the development and implementation of PSEL projects across Indonesia. The initiative is supported by Presidential Regulation No. 109 of 2025, which provides the regulatory framework for accelerating the development of PSEL projects through environmentally responsible technologies.

DPT registration builds on the strong momentum generated by the previous pre-qualification rounds which attracted participants from seven countries and demonstrated significant international interest in Indonesia's WtE sector. DIM and Denera invite qualified companies and consortium members with proven capabilities in PSEL project development, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), technology provision, operations and maintenance (O&M), project financing, and other related infrastructure services to participate in the selection process. The program seeks partners with the technical expertise, financial capability, and long-term commitment required to deliver PSEL projects at scale in support of Indonesia's sustainable waste management and clean energy transition.

Fadli Rahman, Investment Director of Danantara Investment Management (DIM) and Chief Executive Officer of Denera, stated that the expansion of DPT reflects Danantara's commitment to building a strong and competitive partner ecosystem to support Indonesia's long-term waste management transformation.

"Indonesia's waste management challenges cannot be addressed through individual projects alone. They require a credible ecosystem of partners with proven technology, financing capacity, operational capabilities, and a long-term commitment to delivering large-scale infrastructure projects. Through DPT registration, we are expanding that ecosystem while creating opportunities for more domestic and international companies to contribute their expertise and capabilities to Indonesia's PSEL Program. Our priorities remain unchanged: strong partnerships, demonstrated capabilities, and effective execution that delivers measurable impact on the ground," said Fadli.

PT Indonesia Infrastructure Finance ("IIF") has been appointed as the Registration and Verification Agent for DPT registration. Interested parties are encouraged to contact IIF through the official DPT registration email at danantara.wtepartnership@iif.co.id. IIF will provide prospective participants with the Registration Pack and guidance on the DPT registration process, including the Expression of Interest (EOI) requirements, required supporting documentation, submission procedures, and applicable timelines, as well as access to the virtual data room.

*Important Notice*

DPT registration is a pre-qualification process intended solely to identify and evaluate prospective strategic partners for potential participation in the Danantara PSEL Program. It does not constitute and shall not be construed as an award for any project, partner selection process, contractual agreement, any guarantee of appointment, exclusive rights, or future participation in any project.

DIM/Denera reserves the right, at their sole discretion and without prior notice, to modify, clarify, supplement, suspend, postpone, extend, terminate, or otherwise amend, any aspect of the DPT registration process, including its scope, eligibility requirements, timeline, evaluation methodology, or documentation requirements. Neither DIM, Denera, nor IIF shall be liable for any costs, expenses, or losses incurred by prospective participants in connection with their participation in DPT registration.

To support prospective participants, IIF will host two Open Briefing sessions on 7 August 2026. These sessions are open to all interested parties and will provide an overview of the DPT registration process, registration requirements, submission procedures, documentation expectations, and guidance on using the Intralinks Virtual Data Room.

The deadline for submission of the Expression of Interest and payment of the administrative fee is 13 August 2026. Prospective participants are encouraged to begin the registration process early to allow sufficient time for document preparation and submission. Interested parties may obtain the Registration Pack by contacting danantara.wtepartnership@iif.co.id.

Only information issued in writing through the official DPT registration communication channels shall be considered valid. Participants should not rely on any statements or representations made outside such official communications.

Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon Returns on 11 October

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:45:00 +0700

Registration opens on 20 August for a one-of-a-kind cycling adventure through Hong Kong's iconic cityscapes along enhanced routes

HONG KONG, Aug. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mark your calendar for Sunday, 11 October, as the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon (Hong Kong Cyclothon) returns. Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), Hong Kong's largest annual cycling event this year features two scenic rides - a 56km Ride and a 32km Ride - inviting visitors and cycling aficionados from around the world to enjoy a unique cycling journey through Hong Kong's iconic bridges, tunnels and urban landscapes.

Participants can look forward to a distinctive cycling experience like nowhere else, while immersing themselves in the vibrant energy of the Events Capital of Asia. Registration for the event opens at 10am (Hong Kong Time) on 20 August. Be among the first to secure your spot and experience Hong Kong from a rare perspective.

Beyond the cycling routes, visitors can further discover Hong Kong's charm as a dynamic metropolitan destination, where urban excitement meets breathtaking natural landscapes and a wealth of outdoor adventures.

56km Scenic Ride with an All-New Route Takes Cyclists Through Hong Kong's Diverse Cityscapes to Showcase Different Sides of Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Cyclothon will once again feature two popular non-competitive rides, both set against the breathtaking backdrop of Victoria Harbour's signature skyline. More than 6,000 cyclists from around the world will set off from the heart of the city at West Kowloon Cultural District, passing through multiple Hong Kong landmarks along major roads while taking in Hong Kong's distinctive scenery blending a dynamic metropolis with a picturesque harbour. Whether taking on the more challenging 56km Ride featuring an all-new route or the shorter 32km Ride, participants will have the rare opportunity to cycle on major roads that are closed to all traffic, savouring the thrill of riding through the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Cyclothon Carnival

The excitement of the Hong Kong Cyclothon will extend far beyond the cycling routes. On event day, the HKTB will present an action-packed Cyclothon Carnival at the West Kowloon Cultural District, featuring a fascinating array of activities from morning until dusk. Spanning sports, entertainment, family-friendly experiences and gourmet offerings, the carnival will immerse cyclists, visitors and locals alike in a vibrant celebration that captures Hong Kong's dynamic city charm.

Registration for the 2026 Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon will open on 20 August at 10am (Hong Kong Time). Cycling enthusiasts and visitors are invited to experience this premier annual sporting event. Stay tuned for more event and registration details at https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/cyclothon.html.

An Autumn Escape to Discover the Natural Wonders Found "Only in Hong Kong"

Autumn is one of the best times to visit Hong Kong, thanks to its mild and pleasant weather. Beyond the adrenaline-pumping Cyclothon, visitors can also embrace the city's spectacular natural landscapes and remarkable geological wonders through a wide variety of outdoor experiences. Home to an abundance of natural attractions, Hong Kong offers everything from lush countryside and scenic outlying islands to magnificent hiking and cycling trails.

Visitors can transition effortlessly from the electrifying city to tranquil natural surroundings in less than an hour. From exploring iconic routes such as Dragon's Back, The Victoria Peak Walk and the MacLehose Trail, to discovering the extraordinary coastal scenery of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark and enjoying various water sports in GO PARK Sai Sha (Aqua), you can experience the unique proximity of urban and natural environments that can be found "Only in Hong Kong". For more inspiration on Hong Kong's outdoor experiences, visit https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/outdoors.html.

Images can be accessed at: https://assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems?categoryId=2528&categoryTypeId=2&cachedCriteria=1

For media enquiries, please contact:

Mr Chokie Cheng Tel: 2807 6342 Email:chokie.cheng@hktb.com

Ms Elisa Luk Tel: 2807 6236 Email:elisa.luk@hktb.com

STAR Systems Powers India's Growing Multi-Lane Free Flow Network

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:43:00 +0700

SINGAPORE, Aug. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- STAR Systems International, a global leader in tolling and vehicle identification technology, is proud to support the successful launch of a new series of Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling projects across India, including the landmark Delhi-Jaipur Pink City Expressway in Rajasthan.

The projects mark an important milestone in India's transition toward seamless, barrier-free highway travel and demonstrate the growing role of advanced RFID technology in modernizing tolling infrastructure.

As one of India's flagship MLFF deployments, the Delhi-Jaipur corridor in Rajasthan, commonly known as the Pink City Expressway, demonstrates the next generation of intelligent tolling, enabling vehicles to travel at highway speeds while tolling transactions are automatically identified, validated, and processed in real time. By eliminating the need for conventional toll barriers, the MLFF system is designed to reduce congestion, improve traffic throughput, lower fuel consumption and emissions, and enhance the overall travel experience for motorists, commercial fleets, and highway operators along one of India's busiest transportation corridors.

The launch of these MLFF projects represents a transformative advancement in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), supporting the Government of India's vision for a safer, smarter, and more efficient national highway network through the digitization of India's tolling ecosystem and the modernization of National Highways in line with global best practices.

STAR Systems' MLFF deployment footprint in India continues to expand, with projects at Choryasi in Gujarat, Mundka on Delhi's Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), Shahjahanpur, Daulatpura, and Manoharpura in Rajasthan on the NH-48 corridor, and Gharaunda on NH-44 in Haryana. This expanding deployment footprint reflects STAR Systems' proven ability to support high-speed, multi-lane tolling applications across diverse roadway environments, helping operators deliver reliable vehicle identification and efficient free-flow toll collection at scale.

At the heart of these deployments are STAR Systems' Titan Pro reader and Avior antenna, two high-performance products engineered specifically for demanding tolling environments. The Titan Pro delivers exceptional read accuracy, advanced flexibility, and seamless integration capabilities for high-speed, multi-lane applications. Paired with the Avior antenna's powerful and precise radiation patterns, the system creates highly controlled read zones that support reliable vehicle identification in complex live traffic conditions. Together, they help enable accurate, free-flow tolling without requiring vehicles to stop or slow down.

"Free flow tolling demands uncompromising performance," said Tarun Ahlawat, Director of STAR RFID & Systems India and STAR RFID. "Our Titan Pro reader and Avior antenna deliver the accuracy, reliability, and lane-level performance needed to support seamless toll collection at high speeds. These deployments demonstrate how proven RFID technologies can help accelerate the transition toward barrier-free tolling across India. STAR Systems remains committed to delivering proven technologies and deployment expertise to support the government's vision for world-class, technology-driven highway infrastructure.

For more information about the Titan Pro and other high-performance readers, antennas, and transponders, please contact STAR Systems at salesinquiry@star-int.net.

About STAR Systems International

Founded in 2013, STAR Systems International is a world leader in Automatic Vehicle Identification Technologies. STAR Systems focuses on providing best-in-class transponders, readers and professional consulting services for Smart City Initiatives, including Electronic Tolling (ETC), Congestion/Road Use Charging, Electronic Vehicle Registration (EVR), Express/HOT Lane, Fleet Management, Parking and Secure Access Control applications.

STAR Systems strives to ensure customer success by leveraging the Company's technical expertise and implementation experience. For more information, please visit www.star-int.net.

Media Contact

Zhihan Chen

+(1) 469-838-2649

zhihan.chen@star-int.net

VinFast's Expansion Mirrors the Global Shift in EV Growth

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:13:00 +0700

Issuer: VinFast

Emerging economies are becoming the EV industry's fastest-growing markets, creating new opportunities for automakers with an international footprint. VinFast's latest expansion reflects that shift.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - Media OutReach Newswire - 5 August 2026 - For much of the past decade, the global electric vehicle conversation has revolved around three markets: China, the United States, and Europe. But recent industry data suggests the next chapter may be written elsewhere.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global car sales fell about 5% in the first half of 2026 as economic pressures, fuel price volatility and policy changes weighed on demand in China and the US. Yet electric vehicle sales rebounded strongly in the second quarter, reaching record levels in 50 countries. Markets including Vietnam, India, Australia and South Korea roughly doubled EV sales compared with a year earlier, while more than 90 countries posted year-on-year growth during the first half of the year.

The shift reflects a broader change in where future industry growth is likely to come from. While China remains the world's largest EV market, the IEA expects sales there to stagnate this year for the first time this decade, even as electric vehicles account for more than 60% of new car sales. Meanwhile, emerging markets are becoming increasingly important, supported by expanding policy incentives, growing charging infrastructure and rising consumer interest.

The agency also notes that China and other emerging economies are expected to account for around 60% of global car demand over the next decade, making success in these markets an increasingly important determinant of future automotive leadership.

VinFast's latest performance reflects this changing landscape.

The Vietnamese automaker delivered 70,085 electric vehicles globally in the second quarter of 2026, up 96% year-on-year, bringing first-half deliveries to 128,662 vehicles, a 78% increase from the same period last year. The company's two-wheel business also continued to expand rapidly, with 286,039 electric scooters and e-bikes delivered during the quarter, up 311% year-on-year.

The delivery mix also highlights the importance of products designed for diverse market needs. Models ranging from the compact VF 3 and VF 5 to the Limo Green MPV and the newly introduced VF MPV 7 all contributed meaningfully to second-quarter volumes, suggesting demand is spread across both personal mobility and commercial transportation segments.

Just as significant is where those vehicles are going.

In July, VinFast exported more than 5,000 electric vehicles aboard two dedicated vessels. One shipment, consisting of approximately 1,500 VF 6 SUVs, was designated for partner Green SM's planned expansion in Europe, while another transported more than 3,500 vehicles to the Philippines and Indonesia. The voyages marked VinFast's 37th and 38th international export shipments in fewer than four years, underscoring the increasing operational scale behind its global expansion.

VinFast's effort in international market, including in the Middle East, shows that as growth becomes more geographically diversified, automakers can no longer rely on a handful of mature markets to drive expansion. Instead, success will increasingly depend on building products, distribution networks and operations that can compete across a wide range of emerging economies.

For the global EV industry, the center of gravity is not disappearing from established markets. It is becoming far more distributed. VinFast's recent momentum suggests that companies positioned across multiple high-growth regions may be among the best placed to benefit from that shift.

https://me.vinfast.com/en

Hashtag: #VinFast

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

AuctuCel launches AuctuPrime to reduce biological variability in cell therapy manufacturing

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:08:00 +0700

| Issuer: AuctuCel

Chemically defined medium removes animal serum and human platelet supplements as Malaysia and Singapore strengthen advanced therapy capabilities

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 4 August 2026 - Singapore is estimated to record approximately 19,290 new cancer cases in 2024, underscoring the growing demand for advanced treatment options and the manufacturing systems needed to produce them consistently. As cell therapies move from research towards clinical use, the reliability of every raw material used in production becomes increasingly important.

AuctuCel Pte Ltd, a Singapore biotechnology company specialising in AI-powered bioprocess technologies, today announced the launch of AuctuPrime, a next-generation chemically defined cell culture medium developed in collaboration with Sperikon. The formulation is designed to remove dependence on both animal serum and donor-derived human platelet supplements during cell therapy manufacturing.

The launch comes as both markets continue to deepen their advanced therapy ecosystems. The Singapore Economic Development Board reported that the country saw a fourfold increase in locally incorporated biotechnology companies since 2015. In Malaysia, the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency issued updated cell and gene therapy product guidance in September 2025, including revised Good Manufacturing Practice requirements. As more research moves towards clinical translation, the reliability and traceability of manufacturing inputs are receiving greater attention.

A less visible bottleneck in cell therapy

Cell therapies are advancing across cancer, autoimmune disease and regenerative medicine, but manufacturing remains one of the major barriers to wider clinical and commercial adoption. Many conventional culture processes still use animal serum or platelet-derived supplements from human donors. These biological materials can vary between batches and may introduce additional sourcing, testing and documentation requirements.

AuctuPrime replaces these supplements with a fully chemically defined formulation. By giving researchers and manufacturers clearer control over what enters the process, it is intended to provide a more reproducible foundation for scale-up from laboratory research to clinical and commercial manufacturing.

The formulation is designed to support:

* Elimination of animal serum and human platelet supplements

* Reduced batch-to-batch variability in the culture process

* Lower dependence on donor-derived biological raw materials

* Greater supply chain resilience through chemically defined inputs

* More consistent scale-up and technology transfer across manufacturing stages

* A xeno-free approach for regenerative medicine and cell therapy workflowsWhy the manufacturing medium matters to patients

"Culture medium is not the therapy itself, but it can influence how reliably cells are produced. By removing animal serum and human platelet supplements, AuctuPrime gives researchers and manufacturers greater control over the process, helping to reduce variability and prepare for larger-scale production." said Dr Zach Pang, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of AuctuCel.

Supporting Singapore's advanced therapy ecosystem

Singapore is strengthening its position as a regional hub for advanced therapies, supported by its universities, hospitals, research institutions and biotechnology companies. These organisations are building capabilities that connect early-stage research with regulated manufacturing and future clinical applications. Chemically defined media can support this progress by reducing reliance on variable biological inputs and enabling processes to be reproduced more consistently across local research and manufacturing facilities.

"Singapore's continued progress in regenerative medicine will depend not only on scientific breakthroughs, but also on the ability to manufacture therapies safely, consistently and at scale. AuctuPrime represents an important step towards building a more reproducible manufacturing platform and can support local research and industry teams as they prepare for future clinical and commercial demand," said Dr Chee Wai Fhu, Chief Executive Officer of AuctuCel.

For the wider region, stronger manufacturing foundations also matter for healthcare resilience. Cell therapies are complex products with demanding quality requirements, and the ability to manufacture them consistently will shape how quickly promising research can progress towards clinical use.

"The future of regenerative medicine depends not only on scientific breakthroughs, but on our ability to manufacture these therapies safely, consistently and at scale," said Dr Chee Wai Fhu, Chief Executive Officer of AuctuCel. "AuctuPrime is an important step towards a more reproducible manufacturing platform. By removing dependence on animal serum and human platelet supplements, we hope to help researchers and manufacturers build processes that are better prepared for future clinical and commercial demand."

Regional collaboration behind the launch

AuctuPrime was developed through a collaboration between AuctuCel and Sperikon, combining AuctuCel's bioprocess and culture media expertise with Sperikon's experience in regenerative medicine and cell therapy development.

Behind every cell therapy breakthrough is a production process that must work repeatedly, not only once. Improving that process is one of the practical steps needed to bring the next generation of therapies closer to the patients who may benefit from them.

Hashtag: #AuctuCel

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

Univar Solutions Mengakuisisi H.M. Royal, Memperluas Jangkauan di Pasar Bahan Aditif untuk Karet, Plastik, dan Perekat di Amerika Serikat

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:04:00 +0700

Memperkuat layanan dan rantai pasok di pasar-pasar utama AS dengan memadukan satu abad keahlian teknis dan hubungan pelanggan yang dilandasi kepercayaan

DOWNERS GROVE, Illinois, Aug. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Univar Solutions LLC ("Univar Solutions" atau "Perusahaan"), penyedia solusi global terkemuka bagi pengguna bahan baku dan bahan kimia khusus, hari ini mengumumkan pihaknya telah mengakuisisi H.M. Royal, distributor spesialis berusia 101 tahun yang sangat disegani di bidang bahan aditif untuk industri karet, plastik, dan perekat.

Bergabungnya H.M. Royal memperkuat bisnis Performance Materials (Material Berkinerja Tinggi) dalam divisi Ingredients + Specialties di Univar Solutions dengan memperluas akses terhadap produk-produk khusus, keahlian teknis, serta hubungan jangka panjang dengan pelanggan.

Penguatan ini terutama akan dirasakan di wilayah Pantai Timur dan Pantai Barat Amerika Serikat, tempat H.M. Royal memiliki kehadiran yang kuat. Dengan bergabungnya kedua perusahaan, pelanggan H.M. Royal akan memperoleh akses ke skala operasi yang lebih luas, jaringan logistik, dan perangkat digital Univar Solutions. Mereka juga akan tetap memperoleh manfaat dari keahlian teknis serta hubungan yang dilandasi kepercayaan, yang selama ini menjadi bagian penting dari keberhasilan H.M. Royal.

"Kami bangga menyambut H.M. Royal sebagai bagian dari keluarga Ingredients + Specialties di Univar Solutions," ujar Nick Powell, CEO Ingredients + Specialties dari Univar Solutions. "Mereka membawa keahlian teknis yang mendalam di bidang karet, plastik, dan perekat, serta kemitraan jangka panjang dengan pelanggan dan pemasok. Bersama kami dapat menghadirkan portofolio yang lebih luas dan tim profesional untuk memberikan dukungan yang lebih baik kepada pelanggan di AS. Dilandasi komitmen bersama terhadap pelayanan dan keunggulan, kemitraan strategis ini melanjutkan rekam jejak kedua perusahaan dalam menjalankan bisnis yang menjunjung tinggi nilai-nilai dan berfokus pada pelanggan."

"H.M. Royal telah lama menjadi mitra tepercaya di sektor karet, plastik, perekat, sealant, dan pelapis pelindung. Akuisisi ini menandai langkah maju yang penting bagi bisnis Performance Materials kami," ujar Matthew Oliver, Wakil Presiden Senior Performance Materials untuk Univar Solutions. "Kombinasi ini memungkinkan kami membangun platform yang lebih terkoneksi di sektor karet dan plastik, memperkuat kolaborasi, serta membuka peluang pertumbuhan baru di seluruh rantai nilai. Kami berkomitmen untuk mempertahankan dan memperkuat keahlian teknis, hubungan dengan pemasok, dan fokus pasar yang selama ini menjadi kunci keberhasilan H.M. Royal, terutama untuk aplikasi yang sangat mengutamakan konsistensi, kinerja pemrosesan, dan keandalan pasokan."

Bergabungnya kedua perusahaan diharapkan dapat memperluas akses terhadap produk, meningkatkan dukungan teknis, serta menjamin kesinambungan pasokan bagi pelanggan dan mitra pemasok. Langkah ini melanjutkan rekam jejak pelayanan dan keahlian kedua perusahaan yang telah dibangun selama lebih dari satu abad.

"Selama lebih dari 100 tahun, H.M. Royal membangun reputasinya melalui hubungan yang kuat, integritas, keahlian teknis, serta komitmen yang teguh kepada pelanggan dan pemasok," ujar Joseph Royal, Presiden H.M. Royal. "Kami sangat antusias bergabung dengan Univar Solutions, perusahaan yang menjunjung nilai-nilai inti yang sama. Bersama-sama, kami berharap dapat meneruskan rekam jejak membanggakan H.M. Royal sekaligus membuka peluang baru bagi karyawan, pelanggan, dan mitra pemasok kami."

Tentang Univar Solutions

Univar Solutions merupakan distributor global terkemuka untuk bahan baku dan bahan kimia khusus, yang mewakili portofolio produk unggulan dari berbagai produsen terkemuka dunia. Didukung oleh salah satu armada transportasi milik sendiri dan tim penjualan teknis terbesar di industri, keahlian teknis tentang logistik yang tak tertandingi, pengetahuan mendalam tentang pasar dan regulasi, kemampuan pengembangan formulasi dan resep, serta perangkat digital terdepan, Perusahaan memiliki posisi kuat untuk menawarkan solusi khusus dan layanan bernilai tambah untuk berbagai pasar, industri, dan aplikasi. Dalam mewujudkan tujuannya untuk membantu menjaga masyarakat tetap sehat, terpenuhi kebutuhan pangannya, bersih, dan aman, Univar Solutions berkomitmen membantu pelanggan dan pemasok berinovasi serta berfokus pada semangat Tumbuh Bersama. Pelajari lebih lanjut di univarsolutions.com.

Tentang H.M. Royal

H.M. Royal merupakan distributor bahan baku dan bahan kimia khusus yang telah lama berkiprah, didukung oleh hubungan kemitraan selama puluhan tahun dengan pemasok serta pengalaman industri selama 101 tahun. Perusahaan ini menyediakan lebih dari 1.000 grade bahan kimia serta memiliki kapabilitas untuk menyediakan pasokan yang terjamin, melakukan pengemasan ulang, dan mengelola persediaan sesuai kebutuhan pelanggan. Dengan 10 gudang yang berlokasi strategis di seluruh Amerika Serikat, H.M. Royal mampu melakukan pengiriman tepat waktu dalam berbagai volume, mulai dari kemasan kecil hingga muatan penuh satu truk. Portofolio produknya melayani berbagai sektor industri, termasuk transportasi, elektronik, medis, konstruksi, pertanian, pertambangan, dan pasar industri. Sebagai perusahaan milik keluarga yang kini berada di bawah kepemimpinan generasi ketiga, H.M. Royal mengutamakan layanan yang personal, dukungan yang andal, serta solusi yang hemat biaya bagi pelanggan di Amerika Utara.

Pernyataan Berwawasan ke Depan

Komunikasi ini memuat "pernyataan berwawasan ke depan" berdasarkan hukum yang berlaku tentang aspek keuangan dan operasional yang terkait dengan bisnis Perusahaan. Pernyataan berwawasan ke depan umumnya dapat dikenali dari penggunaan kata-kata seperti "meyakini," "memperkirakan," "mungkin," "akan," "seharusnya," "dapat," "berupaya," "bermaksud," "berencana," "mengestimasi," "mengantisipasi," atau istilah lainnya yang sebanding. Seluruh pernyataan berwawasan depan yang disampaikan dalam komunikasi ini dibatasi oleh pernyataan kehati-hatian ini.

Pernyataan berwawasan ke depan mengandung berbagai risiko dan ketidakpastian yang diketahui maupun tidak diketahui, yang sebagian besar mungkin berada di luar kendali Perusahaan, yang dapat menyebabkan ekspektasi tidak tercapai atau dapat berdampak secara signifikan dan merugikan terhadap bisnis, kondisi keuangan, hasil operasi, atau arus kas Perusahaan. Meskipun pernyataan berwawasan ke depan didasarkan pada asumsi yang dianggap wajar oleh manajemen, kami mengingatkan bahwa informasi berwawasan ke depan yang disajikan dalam komunikasi ini bukan merupakan jaminan atas peristiwa atau hasil di masa mendatang, dan bahwa peristiwa atau hasil aktual dapat berbeda secara signifikan dari hal-hal yang dinyatakan secara tersurat maupun tersirat oleh informasi berwawasan ke depan yang dimuat dalam komunikasi ini. Untuk informasi tambahan mengenai faktor-faktor yang dapat memengaruhi Perusahaan, silakan lihat laporan tahunan terbaru Perusahaan dan laporan keuangan lainnya, termasuk informasi yang tercantum dalam bagian berjudul "Faktor Risiko." Setiap pernyataan berwawasan ke depan hanya mencerminkan pandangan Perusahaan pada tanggal komunikasi ini dan tidak boleh dianggap sebagai menggambarkan pandangan Perusahaan pada tanggal setelahnya dan Perusahaan tidak berkewajiban untuk memperbarui pernyataan berwawasan ke depan apa pun, kecuali sebagaimana diwajibkan oleh hukum.

UNTUK INFORMASI TAMBAHAN:

Hubungan Media

Dwayne Roark

+1 331-777-6031

mediarelations@univarsolutions.com

Foto yang menyertai pengumuman ini tersedia di: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a9bb0270-0253-4491-bae2-351ba1147ad6

Court Unseals Key Evidence in Coventry Filing Showing Abacus Global Management Relied on Short Lapetus Life Expectancy Estimates and Misled Investors

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 08:58:00 +0700

Lapetus Filings With the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Reveal an Alarmingly Low 41.5% Actual-to-Expected Ratio

Abacus Misled Its Investors by Concealing Critical Facts About the Lewis & Ellis Valuation Report It Had Commissioned

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., Aug. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coventry First LLC ("Coventry") and its Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, Alan H. Buerger, secured a significant ruling in their ongoing litigation with Abacus Global Management Inc. ("Abacus") (NYSE: ABX). On July 29, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida ordered the unsealing of a number of key documents that Abacus has tried to keep from becoming public, including internal Abacus records demonstrating that Abacus knowingly relied on unusually short life expectancy estimates from Lapetus Solutions ("Lapetus") and omitted critical facts from its public description of the Lewis & Ellis valuation report it commissioned.

Coventry Refiles Answer and Counterclaims with Newly Unsealed Evidence

In accordance with the Court's ruling, Coventry and Mr. Buerger yesterday refiled their Answer and Counterclaims against Abacus with the newly unsealed exhibits. These exhibits provide further support for Coventry's claims that Abacus has misled investors and the public about its reliance on Lapetus's life expectancy estimates as a critical input used to originate, sell, and value life settlement policies held in Abacus's own portfolio and sold to its affiliated managed funds, including funds in which credit unions invested more than $500 million.

Unsealed Documents Show Lapetus's Actual-to-Expected (A/E) Ratio Was Just 41.5%

Abacus has asserted in its legal filings that Lapetus's life expectancies are "not less accurate than the estimates of any other life expectancy provider" and that "Lapetus's estimates reported to the state of Florida are in line with other life expectancy providers." However, the newly unsealed evidence shows that those statements were false and that Abacus knew they were false. In fact, Lapetus reported an A/E ratio of just 41.5%, meaning that fewer than half of the deaths Lapetus predicted occurred during the measurement period. By comparison, leading life expectancy providers have publicly reported A/E ratios close to 100%. This stark difference proves that Lapetus systematically underestimated life expectancies and overstated mortality risk.

Documents Show Abacus Knew Lapetus's Life Expectancy Estimates Were Chronically Short

Other unsealed documents show that Abacus was aware of the disparity between Lapetus's life expectancy estimates and those of other medical underwriters. In one newly unsealed email exchange, Abacus CEO Jay Jackson discussed a policy for which three established life expectancy providers produced life expectancy estimates ranging from 209 to 248 months, while Lapetus estimated just 72 months. Observing that the initial policy valuations looked "really high," Mr. Jackson asked, "Is that because we did Lapetus only?" In another example, the newly unsealed documents reveal correspondence from experienced life settlement investors discussing their unwillingness to purchase life settlement policies from Abacus using pricing based on Lapetus because, as one investor put it, "they usually seem significantly shorter than the other more established LE providers (as I'm sure you're well aware!)."

Lapetus's Former CEO Said He Could No Longer Work with Abacus in Good Faith

Similar concerns were expressed by Lapetus's former CEO in a text message that he sent to a Lapetus Board member regarding his intent to resign. In that message, which is one of the exhibits to the Answer, the Lapetus executive wrote, "I can't continue to work with [Abacus] in good faith. I don't trust them. Since they're our primary and basically only client, I can no longer lead this business."

Abacus Issued Misleading Press Release About the Lewis & Ellis Report

On June 10, 2025, in an effort to reassure investors following an independent short-seller report from Morpheus Research, Abacus issued a press release about a valuation report it commissioned from actuarial firm Lewis & Ellis. According to Abacus, the Lewis & Ellis report was prepared without reliance on Lapetus's life expectancies and produced a portfolio valuation within 1% of Abacus's stated valuation. However, the exhibits to the Answer show that Abacus omitted or misrepresented at least three critical facts about the report:

First, Abacus instructed Lewis & Ellis to provide valuations at multiple discount rates; however, the Lewis & Ellis valuation that Abacus cited as supporting its portfolio valuation was calculated using a lower discount rate than Abacus had used for its own valuation, thereby generating a valuation millions of dollars higher. Had Abacus referenced the Lewis & Ellis valuation calculated using Abacus's discount rate, the resulting valuation would not have been within 1% as Abacus claimed.

Second, Abacus failed to disclose that for more than one-third of the policies it asked Lewis & Ellis to value, Abacus provided only its own "internal" life expectancy estimates rather than estimates prepared by independent third-party providers, thereby compromising the independence and reliability of the inputs used in the Lewis & Ellis analysis. Abacus also failed to disclose that Lewis & Ellis expressly cautioned that these so-called "internal" estimates "would not be as utilized within the industry, as the industry may rely on the more Commercial LE opinions."

Third, Abacus failed to provide Lewis & Ellis with all the life expectancy estimates in its possession for the policies under review, despite Lewis & Ellis's stated assumption in the report that Abacus had provided "all relevant life expectancy information produced for an insured from various LE providers." In several instances, Abacus provided older - and shorter - life expectancy estimates while withholding more recent - and longer - estimates already in its possession. By supplying older, shorter estimates for several of its largest policies, Abacus caused those policies' valuations to be significantly inflated.

Several other key documents that contradict Abacus's public statements remain sealed. Coventry will continue to press for all relevant information to be made public.

Links to Court Documents

Coventry's refiled Answer and Counterclaims can be found here https://www.coventry.com/coventry-and-alan-h-buerger-file-answer-to-abacus-global-management-first-amended-complaint/.

About Coventry

Coventry is the leader and creator of the secondary market for life insurance. For more than 25 years, we have been driving the industry forward and expanding opportunities for life insurance policyowners. Coventry's deep experience combined with a fierce commitment to consumer rights makes Coventry the clear market leader, a position we use to raise industry standards and expand consumer choice. To date, we have delivered more than $6 billion to policyowners who no longer have a need for their policies. To learn more about Coventry, please visit Coventry.com.

Media Contact

Coventry First LLC

Info@Coventry.com

Mexico's Dominant Luxury Brokerage, Ronival Real Estate, Partners with eXp Realty

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 08:57:00 +0700

Baja California Sur's leading luxury brand just made a defining move

BELLINGHAM, Wash., Aug. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- eXp Realty, the most agent-centric real estate brokerage on the planet and the core subsidiary of eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGNT), today announced that Ronival Real Estate, the number one transaction company in Baja California Sur, Mexico, has chosen eXp Realty as its global platform. Founders Nick Fong and Rocio Monta?o, two of the most recognized names in luxury real estate in the region, are bringing their full operation into eXp's global network.

Baja California Sur is no longer the market it once was. What began as a vacation destination has matured into one of the world's most competitive luxury real estate markets, closing over $1.1 billion in sales in 2025 with an ultra-luxury average of $3.2 million in the San Jos? Corridor and a regional average of $970,000. The buyers driving that market are overwhelmingly international, high-net-worth individuals from the United States, Canada, and beyond who are no longer just visiting, but relocating, investing, and putting down permanent roots.

"Nick and Rocio built Ronival into the dominant luxury brokerage in Baja California Sur by seeing borders as opportunities where others saw obstacles. That's the eXp mindset," said Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty. "Our agents now have a direct line into one of the most sought-after luxury markets in the world through a team that spent 20 years earning its place at the top. When the best brokerage in the market chooses eXp, that's a statement. We're proud to welcome them to the network."

Fong, who co-founded Ronival in 2010 alongside Monta?o and built it into the dominant force in Baja Sur real estate, described what drew them to eXp.

"We were looking for scale without sacrifice, a structure that could grow our agents' income, expand our referral reach internationally, and give us the infrastructure to compete at the highest level without dismantling everything that made Ronival work. When we looked at what this partnership makes possible, it stopped being an addition problem. It is not additive, it is geometric, each side amplifies what the other has built. That multiplier effect is what we were looking for, and we could not find it anywhere else," said Fong.

For eXp, this move establishes an immediate anchor in one of Mexico's most competitive luxury markets and advances its expansion across the broader CALA region. For Ronival, it opens the door to the global infrastructure, referral network, and technology platform needed to scale across new markets and serve an increasingly international client base.

"What Nick and Rocio have built in Baja California Sur is exceptional by any measure. The fact that they are now choosing eXp is a reflection of their vision and ambition. They saw that their clients were already operating globally, that their market had outgrown the infrastructure around it, and that the next chapter required a platform built to match that scale. This is exactly the kind of signal that advances what eXp is building across CALA and beyond," said Felix Bravo, Managing Director of eXp Realty International.

As the real estate industry continues to globalize, eXp Realty and Ronival joining forces represents a new model for how world-class local operators and global platforms can grow together.

About eXp World Holdings, Inc. (AGNT)

Built by Agents. Built for Agents. eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGNT) is the global parent company of eXp Realty, the most agent-centric real estate brokerage on the planet, NextHome, Inc., an award-winning national real estate franchise, FrameVR.io, a virtual collaboration platform, and SUCCESS? Enterprises, a leading personal development and media brand for entrepreneurs. Together, the AGNT platform provides a world-class multi-model operating system empowering independent agents, franchise owners, and team leaders across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and South Africa. As a publicly traded company, eXp World Holdings prioritizes transparency, innovation, and long-term value for agents, franchise owners, staff, and shareholders.

Safe Harbor and Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect the Company's and its management's current expectations but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could impact actual results materially. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the anticipated success of agents or teams joining eXp Realty, future production goals or volume projections, and participation in or benefits derived from the Company's platform, tools, compensation model, or equity programs. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in forward-looking statements include real estate market fluctuations, changes in agent retention or recruitment, competitive pressures, regulatory changes, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the most recently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K. We do not undertake any obligation to update these statements except as required by law.

Media Contact

eXp World Holdings, Inc.

mediarelations@expworldholdings.com

Investor Relations

Denise Garcia

investors@expworldholdings.com

Medela Marks World Breastfeeding Week with Research Contribution and Educational Campaign

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 08:47:00 +0700

To mark World Breastfeeding Week, Medela announces the recipient of its research contribution and launches a month-long campaign highlighting evidence-based lactation care

Baar, Switzerland, Aug. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Baar, Switzerland, August 4, 2026 - To mark World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), observed globally from August 1-7, Medela, the brand trusted by millions of moms worldwide and the #1 brand in hospitals1, today announced the recipient of its CHF 20,000 research contribution supporting community-based initiatives that strengthen breastfeeding support.

Throughout August, Medela will also spotlight leading experts in human milk research and lactation science through webinars, podcasts and educational content for healthcare professionals and families.

The winning project, "Building Sustainable Lactation Care After Hospital Discharge: A Community-Anchored Implementation Model in West Michigan," is led by Anita Esquerra-Zwiers, PhD, RN, CBS, with Rebecca Antaya, RD, IBCLC, through their work with Lactation Collective, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization focused on expanding access to lactation care. Supported by Medela's research contribution, the project aims to advance a research-informed model that combines in-home lactation care, education, community partnerships, medical oversight, documentation workflows, and reimbursement pathways to improve access to continued lactation services.

Medela's research contribution was launched as part of the With You, Every Step of the Way campaign to support community-based breastfeeding initiatives and sustainable support systems. The winning project was selected following a review process informed by an expert jury of maternal, lactation, and public health professionals, based on community impact, innovation, scientific rigor, and long-term sustainability.

Supporting What Works: Strengthening Breastfeeding Support Systems

This year's WBW theme, "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works," highlights the importance of identifying effective approaches and expanding systems that help protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. Through its research contribution, Medela sought projects that strengthen community-based breastfeeding support, build sustainable support systems, improve timely access to lactation care, and generate practical solutions that can be replicated and sustained.

"Across many settings, breastfeeding care remains fragmented, and the gaps are often greatest for families with the fewest resources," said Angela Lang, DNP, CNS, RN, IBCLC, Global Director of Medical Affairs and Clinical Education at Medela. "Families need more than encouragement. They need access to trained support, connected care pathways, and follow-up that continues after they leave the hospital. This research contribution was created to support evidence-based, community-rooted projects that improve access to skilled lactation care and create lasting impact."

The winning project addresses a critical point in the infant feeding journey: the transition from hospital to home. According to the project team, more than 94% of infants in Ottawa County initiate breastfeeding at discharge, yet only 27% of under-resourced families are still breastfeeding at six months. Similar trends are seen in neighboring Muskegon County, where limited access to ongoing lactation care and community resources contributes to families stopping breastfeeding earlier than intended. To help close this gap, the project will expand access to personalized lactation care, strengthen connections between community and clinical resources, and establish a framework designed to continue beyond short-term grant funding.

"For years, my work has focused on understanding why breastfeeding becomes difficult in the early postpartum period and what helps families continue," said Anita Esquerra-Zwiers, PhD, RN, CBS. "What we are building now is rooted in a simple but urgent idea: families need trusted care that fits real life after they leave the hospital. Medela's contribution will help us evaluate and strengthen a community-based model that connects research, clinical expertise, and local partnerships so care remains available when and where families need it most."

Advancing Lactation Science Awareness During World Breastfeeding Week and Beyond

As part of its WBW activities, Medela will share educational content and expert perspectives on human milk research and lactation care. The campaign includes resources for healthcare professionals and families, including a webinar with Rebecca Hoban, MD, MPH, Associate Professor in the Division of Neonatology and Director of Breastfeeding Medicine at the University of Washington Department of Pediatrics, and a podcast with Lars Bode, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics, Endowed Chair of Collaborative Human Milk Research, and Director of the Human Milk Institute at the University of California San Diego.

Together, the research contribution and WBW initiatives reflect Medela's commitment to advancing lactation care through research, education, innovations, and collaboration, helping expand access to the support families need throughout the breastfeeding journey.

About Medela

Through advancing research, observing natural behavior and listening to our customers, Medela turns science into care while nurturing health for generations. Medela supports millions of moms, babies, patients and healthcare professionals in more than 100 countries all over the world. As the healthcare choice for more than 6 million hospitals and homes across the globe, Medela provides leading research-based breast milk feeding products, healthcare solutions for hospitals, and clinical education. Medela is dedicated to building better health outcomes, simplifying and improving life, and developing breakthroughs that help moms, babies and patients live their life to the fullest. For more information, visit medela.com.

Attachments

Rebecca Antaya and Anita Esquerra-Zwiers lead the nonprofit The Lactation Collective and authored the research project recognized through Medela's Research Contribution

The Lactation Collective

Medela Media Office

Media.Inquiries@medela.com

Descartes Introduces New AI-Powered Free Trade Intelligence (FTI) Solution to Help Reduce Trade Costs

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 08:39:00 +0700

LONDON and ATLANTA, Aug. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, introduced its new artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled Descartes Free Trade Intelligence (FTI) solution to help manufacturers, importers and exporters lower costs by making more informed sourcing and trade decisions.

For organizations with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems that lack comprehensive global trade management (GTM) capabilities, the solution helps qualify appropriate goods for preferential tariff treatment faster, maximize duty savings opportunities, and reduce compliance risk.

"Free trade agreement eligibility can unlock significant duty savings, but qualification remains one of the most complex and resource-intensive areas of compliance. Many organizations continue to manage analysis using spreadsheets, disconnected systems and manual interpretation of regulations. This can create operational inefficiencies, risk and missed opportunities to leverage preferential trade programs," said Brian Hodgson, General Manager, Global Trade Intelligence at Descartes. "By combining AI-driven analysis and decision support, Descartes' new solution helps organizations understand how sourcing decisions, supplier changes and evolving trade agreements can impact qualification outcomes."

Leveraging Descartes' Global Logistics Network (GLN) and built on one of the industry's most comprehensive libraries of rules of origin covering more than 250 regimes globally, the Descartes FTI AI solution combines rules-of-origin analysis, regional value content (RVC) calculations, tariff shift logic, supplier declaration management and explainable recommendations in one auditable workflow. The platform uses AI to analyze bills of materials (BOM), tariff classifications, rules of origin and supplier declarations while retaining qualification logic for binding compliance decisions. The solution integrates with Descartes' Global Trade Intelligence suite and ERP environments, enabling organizations to embed AI-powered qualification into existing trade compliance workflows.

Descartes FTI AI provides manufacturers, importers and exporters with:

Faster duty/tariff savings decisions with AI-enabled analysis across multiple agreements that reduces manual review cycles

Stronger audit readiness for internal governance and customs inquiries with documented analysis of reasoning, calculations and tariff shift logic behind recommendations

Less manual supplier outreach and data collection with automatic requalification that tracks declarations, supplier responses and requalification triggers

More informed production and purchasing decisions with scenario modeling to proactively evaluate sourcing alternatives and optimize preferential duty opportunities

"Organizations are looking for practical AI solutions that deliver measurable business value for quickly changing supply chains," said Ken Wood, EVP, Product Management at Descartes. "By combining AI with trusted regulatory expertise and transparent decision-making, Descartes FTI AI helps customers accelerate complex qualification across multiple agreements, capture preferential duty savings more efficiently and improve compliance readiness."

Learn more about Descartes' Global Trade Intelligence solutions.

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

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements") that relate to Descartes' global trade intelligence solution offerings, including AI-enabled capabilities and potential benefits derived therefrom; and other matters.

Forward-looking statements may also include statements regarding the anticipated capabilities, performance, adoption and benefits of Descartes' AI-enabled solutions, which are subject to risks and uncertainties relating to customer adoption, data quality and availability, technological developments, and evolving regulatory requirements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Such factors include, but are not limited to, the factors and assumptions discussed in the section entitled, "Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results" in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities regulatory authorities across Canada including Descartes' most recently filed annual and interim management's discussion and analysis which are available under Descartes' profile through the EDGAR website at http://www.sec.gov or through the SEDAR+ website at http://www.sedarplus.com/. If any such risks actually occur, they could, among other consequences, materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In that case, the trading price of our common shares could decline, perhaps materially.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purposes of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

Ingredion Incorporated Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:08:00 +0700

Second quarter 2026 reported and adjusted* operating income decreased 31% and 5% compared to the second quarter 2025

Second quarter 2026 reported and adjusted EPS were $1.78 and $2.82, compared with $2.99 and $2.87 in the second quarter 2025

Reaffirming amended full-year guidance, which now reflects the sale of a majority stake in the Pakistan business, for reported EPS to be in the range of $9.15 to $9.75 and adjusted EPS to be in the range of $10.30 to $10.90

Ingredion's 595 pence all-cash offer to acquire Tate & Lyle accepted by their shareholders

WESTCHESTER, Ill., Aug. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions to the food and beverage manufacturing industry, today reported its second quarter 2026 results.

"Ingredion delivered a solid second quarter, with Texture & Healthful Solutions continuing its quarterly net sales volume growth and Food & Industrial Ingredients-U.S./CAN operating results sequentially improving during the quarter," said Jim Zallie, chairman, president and CEO of Ingredion. "Additionally, we completed the sale of our majority stake in the Pakistan business, and we are pleased to report that Tate & Lyle's shareholders approved our recommended all-cash offer on July 28, marking an important step toward completing the transaction."

"Texture & Healthful Solutions delivered its ninth consecutive quarter of broad-based net sales volume growth, driven by continued strong customer demand for our solutions offerings, including clean-label ingredients, demonstrating the durability and margin enhancement of our solutions-selling model."

"Food & Industrial Ingredients-LATAM continued to deliver in line with expectations, which was a result of focused execution across the region, the resilience of our diversified businesses, and the advancement of network optimization opportunities, which included the announced closure of our Cabo, Brazil facility. We also successfully navigated foreign exchange headwinds and macroeconomic pressures."

"In Food & Industrial Ingredients-U.S./CAN, reliability at our Argo plant improved, with sequentially better production rates and yields achieved throughout the quarter. We are pleased to say that the plant is operating at normal production rates across all major operating units."

"Looking ahead, we are focused on continued operational execution across our Food & Industrial Ingredients businesses and accelerating the growth of our Texture & Healthful Solutions portfolio. We have also commenced the integration planning work for the pending acquisition of Tate & Lyle, which, when completed, will establish Ingredion as a more comprehensive global leader in ingredient solutions with the innovation expertise and geographic reach that will help create the future of food."

* Reported results are in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Adjusted financial measures are non-GAAP financial measures. See "II. Non-GAAP Information" in the Supplemental Financial Information that follows the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS)

	2Q25			2Q26
Reported Diluted EPS	$	2.99		$	1.78
Acquisition/integration costs		-			0.64
Impairment charges		(0.02	)		0.34
Restructuring costs		0.03			0.14
Net (gain) on sale of business		-			(0.27	)
Tax items and other matters		(0.13	)		0.19
Adjusted Diluted EPS**	$	2.87		$	2.82

Factors affecting changes in Reported and Adjusted EPS

	2Q26
Total items affecting adjusted diluted EPS**	(0.05	)
Total operating items	(0.17	)
Margin	(0.34	)
Volume	0.03
Foreign exchange	0.05
Other income	0.09
Total non-operating items	0.12
Financing costs	0.05
Non-controlling interests	?
Tax rate	?
Shares outstanding	0.07
Other non-operating income	-

** Totals may not sum or recalculate due to rounding

Business Review

Total Ingredion

Net Sales

$ in millions	2025	FX Impact	Volume		Price Mix		2026	Change		Change excl. FX
Second Quarter	1,833	36	20		(39	)	1,850	1	%	(1	%)
Year-to-Date	3,646	69	(12	)	(61	)	3,642	-	%	(2	%)

Second quarter net sales increased 1%. The increase was primarily driven by higher net sales volume in T&HS and favorable foreign exchange in F&II-LATAM, partially offset by less favorable overall price mix and lower net sales volume in F&II-U.S./CAN.

Reported Operating Income

$ in millions	2025	FX Impact	Business Drivers		Restructuring/Impairment		Other		2026	Change		Change excl. FX
Second Quarter	271	5	(20	)	(42	)	(26	)	188	(31	%)	(32	%)
Year-to-Date	547	11	(87	)	(46	)	(34	)	391	(29	%)	(31	%)

Adjusted Operating Income

$ in millions	2025	FX Impact	Business Drivers		2026	Change		Change excl. FX
Second Quarter	273	5	(20	)	258	(5	%)	(7	%)
Year-to-Date	546	11	(87	)	470	(14	%)	(16	%)

Second quarter reported and adjusted operating income were $188 million and $258 million, respectively. The difference between reported and adjusted operating income was primarily attributable to impairment charges and costs from the closure of our Cabo, Brazil facility, as well as costs attributable to the previously announced thermal event at our Argo plant. Excluding foreign exchange translation impacts, reported operating income was down 32% and adjusted operating income was down 7% from a year ago.

Texture & Healthful Solutions

Net Sales

$ in millions	2025	FX Impact	Volume	Price Mix		2026	Change		Change excl. FX
Second Quarter	599	5	44	(21	)	627	5	%	4	%
Year-to-Date	1,201	18	57	(32	)	1,244	4	%	2	%

Segment Operating Income

$ in millions	2025	FX Impact	Business Drivers	2026	Change		Change excl. FX
Second Quarter	111	1	5	117	5	%	5	%
Year-to-Date	210	4	3	217	3	%	1	%

Second quarter operating income for Texture & Healthful Solutions was $117 million, up $6 million from a year ago, driven by sales volume growth, partially offset by unfavorable price mix and higher tapioca costs. Excluding foreign exchange translation impacts, segment operating income was up 5%.

Food & Industrial Ingredients-LATAM

Net Sales

$ in millions	2025	FX Impact	Volume		Price Mix		2026	Change		Change excl. FX
Second Quarter	596	30	(5	)	(10	)	611	3	%	(3	%)
Year-to-Date	1,169	48	(12	)	(15	)	1,190	2	%	(2	%)

Segment Operating Income

$ in millions	2025	FX Impact	Business Drivers		Argentina JV	2026	Change		Change excl. FX
Second Quarter	127	4	(17	)	4	118	(7	%)	(10	%)
Year-to-Date	254	6	(31	)	4	233	(8	%)	(11	%)

Second quarter operating income for Food & Industrial Ingredients-LATAM was $118 million, a $9 million decrease from a year ago, driven primarily by Mexico's transactional currency impacts and a more challenging demand environment. Excluding foreign exchange translational impacts, segment operating income was down 10%.

Food & Industrial Ingredients-U.S./CAN

Net Sales

$ in millions	2025	FX Impact	Volume		Price Mix		2026	Change		Change excl. FX
Second Quarter	523	-	(22	)	(13	)	488	(7	%)	(7	%)
Year-to-Date	1,043	2	(60	)	(22	)	963	(8	%)	(8	%)

Segment Operating Income

$ in millions	2025	FX Impact	Business Drivers		2026	Change		Change excl. FX
Second Quarter	86	-	(28	)	58	(33	%)	(33	%)
Year-to-Date	178	1	(87	)	92	(48	%)	(49	%)

Second quarter operating income for Food & Industrial Ingredients-U.S./CAN was $58 million, a $28 million decrease from the prior year. The decline resulted from lower production at our Argo facility, which had normalized by the end of the quarter, as well as softer volumes and price mix. Excluding foreign exchange translation impacts, operating income was down 33%.

All Other*

Net Sales

$ in millions	2025	FX Impact	Volume	Price Mix	2026	Change		Change excl. FX
Second Quarter	115	1	3	5	124	8	%	7	%
Year-to-Date	233	1	3	8	245	5	%	5	%

All Other Operating Income (Loss)

$ in millions	2025		FX Impact	Business Drivers	2026	Change	Change excl. FX
Second Quarter	(1	)	-	7	6	NM	NM
Year-to-Date	(1	)	-	10	9	NM	NM

Second quarter operating income (loss) for All Other increased $7 million from the prior year, reflecting continued improvements in the Protein Fortification business.

All Other consists of the businesses of multiple operating segments that are not individually or collectively classified as reportable segments. Net sales from All Other are generated primarily by sweetener and starch sales from the Pakistan business, sales of stevia and other ingredients from our PureCircle and other sugar reduction businesses, and pea protein ingredients from our Protein Fortification business.

Other Financial Items

At June 30, 2026, total debt was $1.8 billion, and cash, including short-term investments, was $952 million, versus $1.8 billion and $1.0 billion, at December 31, 2025.

Net financing costs were $55 million in Q2 2026, compared to $12 million in Q2 2025, primarily due to a $47 million mark-to-market foreign exchange loss on derivatives used to hedge British pound sterling exposure related to the pending Tate & Lyle acquisition.

The reported and adjusted effective tax rates for the second quarter were 33.7% and 27.2%, compared to 23.6% and 27.2%, for the year-ago period. The increase in the reported effective tax rate was primarily attributable to the gain on the sale of a majority stake in the Pakistan business and the change in value of the Mexican peso relative to the U.S. dollar. These impacts were partially offset by the utilization of previously unbenefited capital losses.

Net capital expenditures totaled $210 million through June 30, 2026.

Dividends and Share Repurchases

In the second quarter, the Company paid $52 million in dividends to shareholders. On May 20, 2026, the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.82 per share, which was paid on July 21, 2026. Year-to-date, the Company has repurchased $14 million of common stock and remains committed to its $100 million full-year target.

Full-Year 2026 Outlook

Ingredion reaffirms its 2026 full year outlook after reflecting the impact of the sale of a majority stake in the Pakistan business on the second half of the year. The Company expects its full-year 2026 reported EPS to be in the range of $9.15 to $9.75, and its adjusted EPS to be in the range of $10.30 to $10.90.

The Company still expects full-year 2026 net sales to be flat to up low single digits, reflecting volume growth and favorable foreign exchange, partially offset by lower price mix as well as the impact of the previously mentioned sale of its majority stake in the Pakistan business.

Reported operating income is expected to be down low double digits, with adjusted operating income now expected to be down mid-single-digits for full-year 2026, which reflects the second half impact from the sale of a majority stake in the Pakistan business.

The 2026 full-year outlook further assumes the following: Texture & Healthful Solutions operating income is now expected to be up mid-to-high single-digits, driven by sales volume growth, partially offset by expected higher input cost inflation; Food & Industrial Ingredients-LATAM operating income is still anticipated to be down low single-digits, reflecting the continued strength of the Mexican peso; Food & Industrial Ingredients-U.S./CAN operating income is now expected to be down 20-25%, driven by the operational headwinds Argo incurred in the first half of 2026; and All Other's operating loss is now anticipated to be approximately $(15) million, which reflects the removal of the second half earnings contribution of the Pakistan business.

Corporate costs for full-year 2026 are now expected to be down mid-single-digits.

For full-year 2026, the Company expects a reported effective tax rate of 27.4% to 28.9% and still expects an adjusted effective tax rate of 26.0% to 27.5%.

Cash from operations for the full year 2026 is now expected to be in the range of $700 million to $800 million. Capital expenditures for the full year are now expected to be approximately $450 to $490 million.

This guidance reflects tariff levels in effect as of the end of July 2026. In addition, this guidance excludes acquisition-related integration and restructuring costs, as well as any potential impairment costs.

Third Quarter 2026 Outlook

For the third quarter of 2026, compared to the same quarter last year, the Company expects net sales to be up low single-digits. Reported and adjusted operating income are both expected to be down mid-single-digits, which again reflects the impact of the sale of our majority stake in the Pakistan business.

Conference Call and Webcast Details

Ingredion will host a conference call on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 8 a.m. CT/9 a.m. ET, hosted by Jim Zallie, chairman, president and chief executive officer and Jason Payant, vice president and interim chief financial officer. The call will be webcast in real time and can be accessed at https://ir.ingredionincorporated.com/events-and-presentations. A presentation containing additional financial and operating information will be available on the Company's website above and can be downloaded a few hours before the call begins. A replay will be available for a limited time at https://ir.ingredionincorporated.com/financial-information/quarterly-results.

For notes (i) through (vii), see notes (i) through (vii) included in the Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income attributable to Ingredion and Diluted Earnings Per Share ("EPS") to Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income attributable to Ingredion and Adjusted Diluted EPS.

CONTACTS:

Investors: Noah Weiss, 773-896-5242

Media: Rick Wion, 708-209-6323

The world's best travel "dupes" to avoid overtourism

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:03:00 +0700

DUBLIN, Aug. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- There are some iconic destinations that never go out of style, such as Venice, Aspen, Kyoto or Ibiza, but in recent years the desire to escape crowded tourist hotspots has grown just as quickly. More travellers are looking to enjoy the same breathtaking scenery and cultural experiences without the crowds, queues or higher prices.

This summer, the biggest travel trend isn't swapping one crowded destination for another nearby; it's crossing borders entirely.

Holafly's first Travel Dupe Index identifies the best international alternatives to some of the world's most iconic destinations by comparing visual and cultural similarity, accommodation costs, overtourism, accessibility and social momentum. Unlike traditional "dupe" rankings, every alternative is located in a different country from the destination it replaces, offering travellers a genuinely new experience while maintaining the same appeal.

The results reveal that the best alternative to Venice isn't elsewhere in Italy, but Ghent, Belgium, whose medieval canals and historic architecture offer a remarkably similar atmosphere while experiencing significantly lower tourism pressure. The ranking also highlights alternatives such as Banff instead of Aspen, Jeonju instead of Kyoto, and Budva instead of Ibiza, with travellers saving up to 83% on accommodation depending on the destination.

Travel dupes are becoming an alternative to overtourism

As overtourism continues to affect many of the world's best-known destinations, travellers are increasingly looking beyond obvious substitutes. Rather than replacing one crowded destination with another nearby, international travel dupes allow visitors to discover similar landscapes, architecture and cultural experiences while reducing costs and avoiding peak visitor numbers.

The world's best travel dupes

Rank Travel Dupe Instead of

1 Ghent, Belgium Venice, Italy

2 Banff, Canada Aspen, United States

3 Jeonju, South Korea Kyoto, Japan

4 Budva, Montenegro Ibiza, Spain

5 Cascais, Portugal Saint-Tropez, France

6 Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia Lake Como, Italy

7 Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic Tulum, Mexico

8 Menton, France Amalfi Coast, Italy

9 Ciudad Perdida, Colombia Machu Picchu, Peru

10 Siargao, Philippines Bali, Indonesia

Methodology

To identify the world's best travel dupes, Holafly compared ten iconic destinations with international alternatives using a weighted scoring model. Each destination pair was evaluated across five criteria: visual and cultural similarity (25%), measuring how closely the alternative replicates the look and feel of the original; accommodation savings (25%), based on average peak-season hotel prices; overtourism contrast (20%), comparing visitor pressure between the original destination and its alternative; accessibility (15%), considering flight availability and travel times; and social momentum (15%), analysing Instagram, TikTok and online search trends to identify emerging destinations.

To ensure the ranking highlighted genuinely new travel experiences, every alternative had to be located in a different country than the destination it replaces, with no more than two alternatives from the same country included in the final ranking. This methodology prioritises destinations that deliver a similar experience while providing better value, fewer crowds and the opportunity to discover somewhere new.

Media contact: press@holafly.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3f1e0551-dbc0-4ba9-95f6-3c4ac7c55993

2026 World Manufacturing Convention Releases Teaser, Extending a Global Invitation to Innovate Together

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0700

HEFEI, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 4 August 2026 - On August 4, the teaser video for the 2026 World Manufacturing Convention was officially released, marking the beginning of preparations for this global manufacturing event. Closely aligned with the theme "Intelligent Manufacturing, Better Future," the teaser transforms the Convention's logo into a futuristic "intelligent cube" and showcases emerging industrial scenarios, including fusion energy, quantum computing, and embodied intelligence.

Through these visions of the future, the video highlights the strong momentum behind the manufacturing sector's transformation toward higher-end, smarter, and greener development, demonstrating the innovative strength of China's manufacturing industry as it advances into the future.

The 2026 World Manufacturing Convention will be held from September 20 to 23 at the Hefei Binhu International Convention and Exhibition Center in Hefei, Anhui, China. During the event, government leaders, representatives from international organizations, manufacturing executives, experts, and scholars from around the world will gather in Hefei to explore new pathways for high-quality development in manufacturing and share new opportunities for industrial cooperation.

Centered on the theme "Intelligent Manufacturing, Better Future," the 2026 World Manufacturing Convention will further enhance its international and professional appeal. The Convention is expected to welcome approximately 1,000 distinguished guests, including around 500 overseas representatives, and will feature a series of events such as the opening ceremony and keynote speeches, major project matchmaking events, exhibitions showcasing manufacturing achievements, and innovation matchmaking programs for future industries.

During the Convention, a range of key activities will focus on areas including intelligent manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and future industries. These will include the Forum on Building China into a Manufacturing Power, the China-Europe International Manufacturing Cooperation Matchmaking Conference, and matchmaking activities for the digital and intelligent transformation of the manufacturing sector, further facilitating global collaboration in manufacturing resources, technologies, and projects.

The release of the teaser marks the full launch of the promotional campaign for the 2026 World Manufacturing Convention. With an open and forward-looking approach, Anhui is embracing the global wave of manufacturing transformation, driving industrial upgrading through technological innovation, and extending a global invitation for intelligent manufacturing collaboration, welcoming partners from around the world to join this future-oriented gathering of the manufacturing industry.

For more video information, please visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENC-yg6zfEk

Hashtag: #WorldManufacturingConvention

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

Vinhomes' 6,200-Hectare Ha Long Bay Project: Evolving the Concept of Urban Scale

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:56:00 +0700

Issuer: Vinhomes

HA LONG, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 4 August 2026 - Vinhomes has outlined the master plan for Vinhomes Global Gate Ha Long, an integrated urban development spanning approximately 6,200 hectares beside the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay. It is the company's largest urban development to date, marking a shift in how success in city-building is measured: not by the size of the land developed, but by the value every hectare delivers to the people who live there.

For decades, the size of a master planned community has been one of the industry's clearest measures of ambition. Across many markets, developments spanning 2,500 acres or more are regarded as large scale projects, distinguished by their mix of housing, retail, schools, parks and lifestyle amenities (1).

Today, as cities confront mounting pressure from climate change, population growth and changing patterns of mobility, urban development is being judged by a different standard. The OECD notes that future cities must do more than expand. They must connect people to jobs and services, strengthen climate resilience and integrate nature into the fabric of urban infrastructure (2).

Positioned along the Hanoi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh Expressway, at the intersection of northern Vietnam's tourism, industrial and logistics corridors, Vinhomes Global Gate Ha Long is planned not as a residential complex but as a fully integrated city, bringing together world-class housing, public services, commerce and ecological infrastructure within a single connected environment. The project represents Vinhomes' most comprehensive urban vision to date, extending two decades of evolution from landmark residential projects to fully integrated townships.

A City Engineered for Connectivity and Daily Convenience

At the core of the master plan is the principle of an integrated urban ecosystem, designed to shorten the distance between where people live, work, learn and access essential services. Transportation, education, healthcare, commerce and hospitality are embedded within a single, unified environment.

Reinforcing this connectivity is the project's location adjacent to the future depot station of the Hanoi-Quang Ninh high-speed railway, which is expected to connect residents to the capital in approximately 23 minutes, reshaping regional mobility and enabling a single daily commute between the intensity of metropolitan Hanoi and the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Ha Long Bay.

Residents will also enjoy uninterrupted views of Ha Long Bay itself, alongside clean air, expansive waterfronts and exceptional ecological quality. Residential offerings span villas, townhouses, shophouses and high-rise apartments across six major districts.

Embedding Sustainability and World-Class Amenities

Environmental regeneration underpins the development at scale. More than 2,500 hectares are dedicated to green spaces, water bodies and mangrove landscapes, including 680 hectares of naturally filtered seawater, approximately 200 kilometers of coastline and the 660-hectare Globe Ha Long Forest Park. Together, these ecological assets are designed to support biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience and foster healthier living conditions, forming the core of Vinhomes' ESG++ vision for regenerative urban development.

The city is organized around interconnected ecosystems. Culture and entertainment feature a 60,000-seat outdoor waterfront venue, the 3,000-seat Wonder Theatre, an 81-hectare VinWonders destination featuring what is planned to be the world's largest aquarium park, an international convention center for more than 4,500 guests, and an 18.5-hectare Vietnamese Cultural and Culinary Village.

Hospitality and leisure offerings include internationally managed luxury hotels and resorts, integrated casino facilities, a 950-hectare golf complex comprising 12 courses, an 800-hectare mangrove recreational park, and Wonder Marina, which provides direct access to Ha Long Bay.

Commerce and lifestyle amenities are centered around Vincom Mega Mall, premium outlet shopping, Vincom Collection retail streets and dedicated lifestyle destinations, creating a 24-hour retail and dining environment.

Sports and wellness infrastructure includes Vietnam's first purpose-built Sports District, spanning 13.3 hectares, a professional sports academy, and more than 50 kilometers of cycling routes woven throughout the city.

Health and education needs are met by the 14-hectare Vinmec Cleveland Clinic International Hospital; Vin New Horizon, Vietnam's largest senior living center; Golden Residence retirement villas; Vinschool campuses; an American international school; and Wonder Young Hub, a dedicated center for youth development.

Anchoring the city's economic future is a new central business district featuring office towers of 30 to 45 stories, designed to attract domestic and international businesses and reinforce Ha Long's role as a major economic and financial hub.

Setting a New Standard for Future Urban Development

Vinhomes Global Gate Ha Long has been planned in alignment with ISO 37125, the latest international guidance for sustainable urban development, while incorporating Vingroup's ESG++ approach, extending beyond environmental protection to encompass ecological regeneration, resource efficiency, digital governance, resilient infrastructure and long-term community wellbeing.

Smart technologies, including artificial intelligence, Internet of Things applications and data-driven urban management, are intended to optimize city operations alongside green mobility systems and efficient public infrastructure.

Guided by three core principles, connectivity, regeneration and excellence, the project seeks to demonstrate how mobility, environmental stewardship, public services, commerce and culture can function within a single planning framework. Through this approach, Vinhomes underlines its commitment to developing integrated urban environments designed for long-term sustainability.

1. https://www.newhomesource.com/learn/all-about-master-planned-communities/

2. https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2025/12/integrated-urban-policy-to-achieve-the-sdgs_e1bb165d/ada07311-en.pdf

Hashtag: #Vinhomes

About Vinhomes

Vinhomes is Vietnam's largest residential real estate and integrated township developer. The company pioneers the development of synchronized, modern large-scale townships, delivering premium living standards and unlocking sustainable investment opportunities for domestic and international clients.

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

Heartland 66 Accelerates Retail Transformation with the Launch of First-to-Market Korean Trend Zone and edgestreet Concept Space

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:50:00 +0700

Issuer: Hang Lung Properties

Strategic 10,400 sq. m. transformation brings 150+ fashion and lifestyle brands to Central China

WUHAN, CHINA & HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 4 August 2026 - Heartland 66 in Wuhan, under Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) ("Hang Lung" or the "Company"), is expanding its new-generation, differentiated retail mix and customer experience offerings through the launch of Central China's first curated 24KR Korean Trend Zone and edgestreet Concept Space.

Building on the Heartland 66's premium positioning, the two areas bring together Korean Wave culture, contemporary fashion, new-to-market brand launches, vibrant social spaces, and immersive experiences - forming part of Heartland 66's transformation from a traditional retail destination into a trendy lifestyle hub, while contributing to the development of Wuhan's retail sector.

Launched between June and July, the 24KR Korean Trend Zone and "Greenhouse by edgestreet," together spanning approximately 10,400 sq. m., feature a lineup of more than 150 brands. The 24KR Zone captures the contemporary Korean Wave that resonates with new-generation consumers and enriches the shopping experience. "Greenhouse", meanwhile, is a concept space developed by edgestreet, centered on a greenhouse-inspired botanical theme and offering a diverse mix of design, aesthetics, home living and pet lifestyles. It blends modernfashion, lifestyle aesthetics and social interaction, deepening engagement with emerging customer segments. Among the first batch of brands unveiled, 24KR introduces 11 brands making their China debut and 15 making their Central China debut, while "Greenhouse" brings 20 brands opening their first stores in Wuhan.

"Greenhouse by edgestreet" focuses on designer brands, lifestyle and home living offerings, and pet lifestyle brands favored by new-generation customers, creating a stylish, warm and welcoming aesthetic space that delivers a "greenhouse experience."

Such initiatives support Wuhan's goal of accelerating its development into a forward-thinking city and an international consumption center. As a major transportation, education and commercial hub in Central China, Wuhan continues to attract university graduates seeking employment and entrepreneurship, as well as young talent from neighboring provinces who help to fuel local consumption. Heartland 66 aims to inject more emerging consumption experiences and commercial vitality into the local market.

Ms. Veronica Chan, Director - Mainland Business Operation, Hang Lung Properties, said, "Heartland 66 is actively introducing curated fashion and lifestyle offerings in response to the evolving consumer preferences. By providing a rich and diverse range of choices, we are creating placemaking destinations that foster a strong sense of community. As a commercial landmark in Wuhan, we will continue to strengthen our differentiated positioning, contribute to the city's development as an international consumption center, and help stimulate consumer vitality."

Mr. Harvey Ye, General Manager of Heartland 66, said, "The successive launch of 24KR Korean Trend Zone and 'Greenhouse by edgestreet' marks a firm step forward in engaging younger consumers and driving the revitalization and upgrading of our commercial spaces. On its opening day, the 24KR Zone lifted footfall by more than 50% year-on-year. 'Greenhouse', which followed shortly after, also drew a strong market response. Both underscore the powerful potential of the emerging consumer market and the surging economic vitality of Central China."

Appendix - Details of the 24KR Korean Trend Zone and "Greenhouse by edgestreet"

Item	24KR Korean Trend Zone	"Greenhouse by edgestreet"
Location in Heartland 66, Wuhan	B1, East Zone	L3, East Zone
Area	Approximately 2,400 sq. m.	Approximately 8,000 sq. m.
Positioning	Contemporary Korean fashion and trendy lifestyle	Curated designer brands and quality lifestyle offerings
Brand categories	Trendy fashion, footwear and accessories, cosmetics and fragrances, designer toys, food and coffee	Designer brands, lifestyle and home living offerings, pet lifestyle brands
Number of brands	More than 100 trendy and creative Korean brands	More than 50 emerging international brands
First-in-market highlights	First batch: 11 China-debut and 15 Central China-debut brands, including FANCY CLUB, ZAENIO, IST KUNST, BLACKPURPLE and LAZY	First batch: 20 first-in-Wuhan brands, including THE WAREHOUSE by SHOWROOM SHANGHAI, HiOneOne, DOROQ, ARTICLE NO., and D&L Pets Department Store
Design concept	Inspired by Seongsu-dong in Seoul, incorporating Korean streetscape elements, tactile material textures, and layered urban details	Centered on "Lifestyle Inspiration ? Greenhouse Ecology ? Artistic Aesthetics," using light, shadow and greenery to create a natural and open spatial experience

Hashtag: #HangLungProperties

About Hang Lung Properties

Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong and Shanghai, the Company manages a portfolio of over 3.6 million square meters of retail, office, residential, and hotel properties across Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

The Company's diverse portfolio in Hong Kong includes office towers and malls in prime districts, as well as luxury residential developments in prestigious areas. In the Chinese Mainland, under the signature "66" brand, the Company's mixed-use and retail developments are regarded as premium landmarks, strategically located in the hearts of key cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan, and Hangzhou.

The Company is recognized for pioneering sustainability in the real estate industry, with an MSCI ESG rating of AA and inclusion on CDP "A List" for Climate Change. The Company powers 90% of its operating properties in the Chinese Mainland with renewable energy, with a net-zero commitment by 2050.

For more information, please visit https://www.hanglung.com.

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

MORROW Targets US$230 Million Annual Revenue as Singapore Flagship Launches

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:45:00 +0700

The 45,000 sq ft Singapore flagship marks MORROW's first proof point of its globally scalable model designed to make preventive healthcare accessible to the many, rather than a luxury for the few.

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 4 August 2026 - MORROW today opens its 45,000 sq ft Singapore flagship, introducing its model of preventive healthcare designed for the Longevity Century.

Located within Longevity World, one of the world's first shopping malls of its kind dedicated to holistic wellness and longevity, MORROW serves as the anchor of a broader ecosystem designed to make preventive healthcare more accessible and integrated into everyday life. Pairing clinical diagnostics, doctor-led medical guidance and personalised health planning from MORROW Medical, alongside movement, nutrition, recovery and coaching from MORROW, the flagship has been created to demonstrate how preventive healthcare can become part of everyday life.

Backed by US$156 million in committed investment, MORROW plans to expand to more than 10 locations across Asia, Australasia and the Middle East over the next five years, targeting more than US$230 million in annual revenue. The Singapore flagship is intended to become the blueprint for an internationally scalable model that can help make preventive healthcare more accessible around the world.

The launch comes as ageing populations place growing pressure on healthcare systems, public finances and workforce productivity. According to the McKinsey Health Institute, scaling proven preventive interventions could generate US$12.5 trillion in annual economic value by 2050, with nearly two-thirds of that impact coming from prevention.

"Prevention can no longer be viewed solely as a healthcare priority. It is becoming an economic necessity. Countries that fail to make the shift from reactive healthcare to prevention risk facing mounting healthcare costs, declining productivity and increasing pressure on public finances,"said Allen Law, Founder and CEO of MORROW.

Today's consumers have unprecedented access to diagnostics, wearables, AI tools and health information. Yet despite an explosion of health data, trusted medical guidance is still largely designed to treat illness rather than help people stay healthy.

"MORROW is not a clinic in the traditional sense, it is essentially infrastructure for preventive healthcare. The world has spent generations building healthcare systems to treat illness but the next generation of cities need to build new systems that help people stay healthy," said Law.

Set to be one of the largest preventive healthcare destinations of its kind in Asia by physical size, the 45,000 sq ft flagship places MORROW Medical's advanced diagnostics and personalised health planning next to MORROW's movement, nutrition, recovery and coaching within a model of continuous preventive care. Designed around long-term relationships, it helps members turn health insight into long-term action.

Singapore was selected as MORROW's launch market because of its world-class healthcare system, rigorous regulatory environment and national focus on prevention through initiatives such as Healthier SG. Recognised globally for its leadership in healthy ageing and exceptional longevity outcomes, Singapore provides the ideal environment to develop, refine and demonstrate a preventive healthcare model before scaling internationally.

MORROW was designed as a continuous and accessible preventive healthcare model built around medical oversight, science-backed interventions and measurable health outcomes within Singapore's regulated healthcare environment.

MORROW Medical's entry-level health assessment is designed to be within reach of Singapore's middle-income households, reflecting its belief that preventive healthcare cannot transform society if it remains a luxury for the few rather than accessible to the many.

"Healthspan shouldn't be something reserved for people with unlimited time or unlimited money. The real opportunity is making preventive healthcare accessible enough that it becomes part of everyday life,"said Law.

The Singapore flagship marks the beginning of MORROW's wider international expansion, with plans to develop more than 10 locations across Asia, Australasia and the Middle East over the next five years. Hong Kong is expected to become the next location.

The Singapore flagship located at Longevity World, 10 Coleman Street, comprises two distinct operating entities: MORROW (#02-01), which offers movement, recovery, nutrition, health coaching and lifestyle experiences, and MORROW Medical (#03-01), where healthcare services, including preventive health assessments and medical consultations, are delivered.

About MORROW

MORROW is a longevity platform founded in Singapore by entrepreneur and investor Allen Law. Built on the idea that health should be continuous rather than reactive, MORROW brings diagnostics, medical oversight, coaching, movement, recovery, nutrition, and lifestyle support into a single integrated environment.

Its 45,000 sq ft Singapore flagship, backed by US$156 million in committed investment, is designed as the first proof point for a model of preventive health that can be scaled across major cities.

About Allen Law

Allen Law is an entrepreneur and investor focused on building systems that help people live longer, healthier lives. His mission is to make longevity accessible at scale by accelerating the global transition from reactive healthcare to preventive healthcare.

He is the Founder and CEO of MORROW and Principal at Seveno Capital, a venture platform backing companies across health, movement, wellness, diagnostics and human performance. He is also the founder of MOVE [REPEAT] and REVL Training, two internationally recognised wellness and fitness brands, and previously built Park Hotel Group from a single hotel into an international hospitality business.

Drawing on a track record of building and scaling businesses across hospitality, wellness and fitness, Law is now applying the same systems-thinking to longevity. Through MORROW, he is building the physical and operating infrastructure that enables continuous health management, early intervention and science-led longevity care to become part of everyday life.

His Mission Statement and Manifesto set out his vision for the future of preventive healthcare and the infrastructure required to support the Longevity Century.

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

Hashtags: #MORROW #PreventiveHealthcare #Singapore

BOI at 60: Building an Investment Foundation, Powering a Sustainable New Economy

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:38:00 +0700

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 4 August 2026 - For six decades, the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) has been a central architect of Thailand's economic landscape, translating national ambition into sustained industrial growth.

Established in 1966, the BOI's enduring legacy is defined by institutional foresight and policy adaptability, evolving from laying the groundwork for import-substitution industries in its early years to becoming a manufacturing powerhouse and navigating global economic shifts, while demonstrating continued commitment to technological and social development.

This evolution is reflected in long-standing investment relationships with many of the world's most iconic corporations. Global titans like Toyota, Minebea, Delta Electronics, Cargill, Western Digital, Seagate, Microchip and ADI-along with countless other global industry leaders-have not just invested in Thailand; they have thrived, expanded, and innovated within an ecosystem shaped by consistent policy direction and strong government support. Their continued presence underscores Thailand's macroeconomic stability, strategic location, and the BOI's role as a reliable institutional anchor for foreign investment.

As it marks its 60th anniversary, the BOI is drawing on this accumulated experience to frame Thailand's next phase of economic transformation. Guided by the theme - "Shaping Thailand's Future Through Strategic Investment" - the emphasis has shifted towards positioning Thailand as a high-value production base, driven by innovation, sustainability, and future industries that align with long-term structural trends. The strategy places particular weight on regional integration and cross-border partnerships, reflecting Thailand's ambition to remain relevant in a fragmenting global economy.

A Resounding Vote of Global Confidence: Thailand's Unprecedented 2025 Performance

Investor response in 2025 suggests that this recalibration is gaining traction. Record investment figures serve as an early signal of confidence, reflecting both Thailand's revised policy direction and the institutional credibility built over six decades.

In 2025, total investment applications reached USD 60.23 billion (1.87 trillion baht) across 3,370 projects, a 67% increase in value and an 11% rise in project count, both year-on-year - underscoring the BOI's focus on technology-driven investment and Thailand's growing role as a regional hub. This momentum carried into 2026: investment applications in the first half of the year (January-June) alone reached USD 47.47 billion (1.47 trillion baht) across 1,299 projects, up 37% year-on-year, while FDI applications climbed 80% to USD 44.08 billion (1.37 trillion baht) even amid global economic headwinds. Projects approved during the period are expected to generate more than 82,000 jobs, drive over USD 12.46 billion (386,900 million baht) a year in local raw material sourcing, and contribute more than USD 39.94 billion (THB 1.24 trillion baht) a year in export value.

Sectoral trends, especially in high-technology industries and AI, underline this rapid shift. The Digital sector, the Electronics & Electrical Appliances sector, and the AI supply chain are all seeing momentum in advanced manufacturing, including photonics devices, PCB, and semiconductor-related activities. In automotive production, Thailand is consolidating its regional leadership through higher-value components and the build-out of a full EV ecosystem. The Agriculture & Food Processing sector continues to move up the value chain, while petrochemicals and chemicals are increasingly oriented towards specialty products and circular-economy applications. Together, these developments suggest a gradual repositioning of Thailand within global production networks.

Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the BOI, reflected on this monumental achievement: "For six decades, the BOI has been instrumental in charting Thailand's economic course, from foundational industrialization to pioneering a technology-driven, sustainable future. Our role transcends merely attracting capital; it is about strategically shaping our economic landscape to respond to a rapidly changing world. The investment figures of 2025 and the first half of 2026 are a clear endorsement of this long-term vision, confirming global trust in our strategic direction and our resolute commitment to forging a stable, innovative, and green economy for generations to come."

The BOI's Vision for Building the Foundation for the Next Decade

Building on its previous success, the BOI's strategy aims to anchor Thailand more firmly within ASEAN's investment geography. Over the next decade, the agency seeks to position Thailand as a center for business across ASEAN, navigating geopolitical uncertainties and fostering deeper collaboration across critical global supply chains.

Key pillars of this ambitious vision include:

Leading Strategic Industries: The BOI aims to solidify Thailand's global leadership by focusing on six strategic sectors. These include Bio&Green Industries, which encompass the bio-economy, modern agriculture, future foods, and clean energy, leveraging Thailand's strengths and resources for added value and sustainable growth. Also prioritized are Modern Automotive, focusing on all types of Electric Vehicles and their parts, building upon Thailand's robust foundation; Semiconductors and Advanced Electronics, critical for strengthening supply chains; Artificial Intelligence and Digital, serving as fundamental infrastructure; International Business Hubs, fostering high-value jobs and knowledge transfer; and Automation and Robotics, which have gained tremendous investment momentum in Thailand.

Skill Bridge, a future-ready workforce: Addressing skills development has become a policy priority. The BOI is expanding initiatives to develop talent in data technologies, artificial intelligence, and electronics and semiconductors, among others, reflecting rising workforce demand to support the growth of capital-intensive and technology-led industries.

Fostering Global Investor Alliances: Beyond individual projects, the BOI is seeking to create a collaborative ecosystem. This involves connecting global investors with local SMEs, governmental agencies, and cutting-edge research institutions to drive shared growth, foster innovation, and integrate Thailand's vibrant domestic businesses into global value chains.

Thailand FastPass: To accelerate investment decisions and reduce investment friction, the BOI, under the Government's initiative, has introduced Thailand FastPass - a dedicated service channel for investors in targeted industries and large-scale, high-impact projects. This streamlines processes, cuts approval timelines, and assigns a dedicated liaison officer to coordinate permitting, licensing, and regulatory processes across government agencies on the investor's behalf. Thailand FastPass reflects the BOI's commitment to matching the pace of global capital flows and ensuring Thailand remains a competitive, responsive destination for investors who require speed and certainty.

Powering Thailand on the Global Stage: A Hub of Collaboration and Opportunity

Mr. Narit emphasized Thailand's strategic goal: to position the nation as an attractive investment destination and a "safe haven" amidst global geopolitical shifts. He highlighted Thailand's inherent geopolitical neutrality, making it an ideal manufacturing base for exports to major global markets. This strategic advantage, combined with proactive cooperation on digital rules, cybersecurity, and the green economy, supports inclusive and sustainable ASEAN growth.

With the upcoming 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in October, Thailand is poised to further solidify its global leadership, showcasing its economic openness and commitment to sustainable advancement.

Invest in Thailand: Your Strategic Advantage in the Heart of Asia

The message from the Thai Government is clear: Thailand is open for business and committed to your success. In a complex global landscape, Thailand offers unparalleled stability, strategic market access, and unwavering policy support.

The BOI has evolved beyond merely offering incentives, transforming into a dedicated strategic partner for a seamless and profitable investment journey. Its role encompasses promoting high-value investments through competitive incentives, integrating businesses seamlessly across government, private sector, and civil society, connecting them to robust global partners and supply chains, and facilitating smooth market entry and sustainable operations with comprehensive, end-to-end services.

As global leaders converge in Thailand, the spotlight is firmly on the country's immense potential. Partner with us to tap into the future of the digital economy, advance sustainable manufacturing, and lead innovation from Asia's premier investment hub.

Discover how your business can thrive in Thailand. Contact the Board of Investment today and let us help you build your future.

Voices of Conviction - Investors Endorse Thailand's Vision

The momentum isn't just in the numbers; it's in the deep conviction of the investors powering this growth.

"The business community consistently sees the BOI's role as an accessible and open platform, crucial for strengthening Thailand's competitiveness. Its focus on skilled labor development, R&D promotion, and regulatory facilitation actively delivers clear pathways for investment, aligning industry with national development priorities. By supporting initiatives such as renewable energy and green manufacturing, it affirms the BOI's unwavering efforts to ensure Thailand remains a premier regional investment hub for all investors, present and future." - Heidi Gallant, Executive Director, AMCHAM Thailand

"For Japanese companies, the BOI stands as an invaluable partner and crucial bridge, adeptly connecting government policies with our evolving needs and tirelessly working to enhance Thailand's investment landscape. Their proactive leadership in Green and Digital Transformation is vital for strengthening global supply chains and fostering new business opportunities, firmly cementing Thailand's position as a premier export and innovation hub. We are deeply committed to deepening this essential collaboration." - ABE Ichiro, President of JETRO Bangkok

"The BOI is more than a facilitator; it is the strategic partner bridging government policies with investor needs, fundamentally driving our continuous growth. Truly, without BOI, we would not have been able to make such stable investments. Their vision, aligning with our pivot into 'Industries of the Future' like AI servers and humanoid robots, is complemented by a robust ESG framework. This has cemented Thailand as our core regional production base, and we are committed to deepening this essential partnership for the next 60 years and beyond." - Yoshihisa Kainuma, Representative Director, Chairman and CEO, MinebeaMitsumi Inc.

"BOI's longstanding support has enabled Nestl? Thailand's continuous business growth. We commend BOI's leadership in championing ESG-driven investments, an approach closely aligned with Nestl?'s Creating Shared Value philosophy, which focuses on building a sustainable business while contributing positively to Thai people, society, and the environment. Nestl? remains deeply committed to Thailand and will continue investing, as well as creating value for Thai consumers, farmers, and local businesses across our value chain." - Victor Seah, Chairman and CEO of Nestl? Indochina

A Foundation of Foresight - Six Decades of Strategic Evolution

Thailand's historic investment achievements are not a matter of chance; they are the direct result of a deliberate, forward-looking government strategy continuously honed over 60 years. Established in 1966 under the Industrial Promotion Act, the BOI has consistently demonstrated its capacity for proactive adaptation and strategic leadership, evolving through distinct policy shifts:

Thailand's investment trajectory reflects deliberate policy choices rather than coincidence. Since its establishment under the Industrial Promotion Act in 1966, the BOI has adapted its approach in line with shifting economic conditions:

1966?1975: Import substitution.

1976?1985: Export-oriented growth and integration into global markets.

1986?1995: Accelerated growth and Thailand's regional development.

1996?2005: Post-crisis recovery and international trade liberalization.

2006?2015: Higher-value investment and technology development.

2016?present: Strategic Industries and the Green-Digital Transformation.

Current measures-including green-transformation incentives, the Long-Term Resident visa, investment retention and relocation programmes-extend this policy lineage, underpinning Thailand's push towards a more sustainable and technology-driven economy.

Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)

Established in 1966, the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI) has continuously played an essential role for over 60 years in promoting value-adding investment for the country, from both foreign and Thai investors, to enhance national competitiveness and drive towards a new era of sustainable and balanced growth.

Investment Services Center- PR Section, The Office of the Board of Investment (BOI)

555 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, Chatuchak Bangkok 10900 Tel. +66 (0) 2553 8111, Fax: +66 (0) 2553 8222

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

Hashtags: #Thailandboardofinvestment #BOI #FDI #Investment

Revealing Roo Rise: OceanX Expedition Establishes a New Scientific Baseline for the High Seas

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:33:00 +0700

Expedition maps more than 12,800 square kilometers of seabed and documents deep-sea biodiversity across a little-studied high seas region

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 4 August 2026 - OceanX today announced the completion of High Seas: Revealing Roo Rise, a 22-day scientific expedition aboard R/V OceanXplorer to investigate one of the eastern Indian Ocean's most ecologically significant and under-characterized high seas regions.

Conducted in collaboration with Minderoo Foundation, Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at UWA, the Western Australian Museum, and the Living High Seas Initiative, the expedition surveyed two seamount features within Roo Rise. One lies within the South of Java Island Ecologically and Biologically Significant Marine Area [EBSA], while the other is located near its southwestern boundary. Researchers from the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore also participated in the expedition.

The research team used high-resolution seafloor mapping and remotely operated vehicle [ROV] surveys to document the structure and biodiversity of the two features. Environmental DNA [eDNA] sampling, water-column profiling, plankton surveys, and targeted specimen collection produced complementary datasets spanning the seafloor through the upper ocean.

Expedition outputs include:

12,833 square kilometers of seabed mapped, including 9,333 square kilometers in international waters. Approximately 8,232 square kilometers, or 64 percent of the total area, represents new mapping when compared with existing global and Australian datasets.

Eight ROV dives, one submersible dive, nine CTD casts, 15 bongo net deployments, and six XBT deployments. The deepest CTD cast reached 3,845 meters.

2,365 samples recorded across the expedition's scientific workstreams, including 329 specimen lots and 528 eDNA samples collected across ROV transects and CTD stations.

Tissue samples from 243 specimens across nine phyla collected for whole-genome sequencing and the development of genomic reference resources in collaboration with the OceanOmics Centre.

Preliminary observations documented extensive sponge gardens and coral communities across Roo Rise, including large habitat-forming species and taxa recognized as indicators of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems [VMEs]. Several surveyed areas supported dense coral and sponge assemblages with diverse associated communities of echinoderms, crustaceans, molluscs, annelids, and fishes.

Scientists also identified four xenophyophore morphotypes that may represent undescribed species, subject to further taxonomic and molecular review. An unusual seafloor habitat consisting of probable early diagenetic carbonate colonized by abundant agglutinated foraminifera was documented during a Roo Rise dive.

"Roo Rise sits within a region that is globally important for ocean productivity and fisheries, yet its deep-sea habitats have remained largely under-characterized," said Dr. Alexis Weinnig, Science Program Manager and Expedition Coordinator at OceanX. "Over the past 22 days, our team mapped the structure of these seamounts and documented deep-water communities. We also collected samples from the seafloor through the water column. Bringing these datasets together will give scientists and decision-makers a stronger evidence base for understanding this part of the high seas."

The South of Java Island region is shaped by seasonal upwelling and complex oceanographic processes. It is also associated with the only known spawning area for endangered Southern Bluefin Tuna, although this expedition took place outside the species' peak spawning season. The data collected will help scientists examine how seafloor structure, water-column conditions, and biological communities interact across this productive open-ocean ecosystem.

Minderoo Foundation and Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at UWA led environmental DNA sampling and associated tissue sample collections in support of genomic biodiversity research across the expedition. The ship-based program generated 528 eDNA samples from ROV transects and CTD stations, while representative tissue samples from 243 specimens collected in situ via ROV dives will support whole-genome sequencing and the creation of genomic reference resources. At Christmas Island, an adjacent marine protected area under Australia's jurisdiction, eDNA samples were collected from 90 sites, including 20 locations revisited from a 2023 survey.

"This expedition lays the groundwork to support genomics-based biodiversity monitoring in one of the ocean's most under-studied and difficult-to-reach regions. By combining eDNA and tissue samples from Roo Rise with our growing datasets from Christmas Island, we can compare biodiversity across a clear protection gradient, from a recently established marine park to the less-protected waters of the adjacent high seas. As nations move to implement the BBNJ Agreement, this kind of evidence will be critical for understanding and safeguarding the deep-water habitats that support many vulnerable species. The expedition also gives people a window into places they will likely never see for themselves, offering a way to explore deep-ocean biodiversity in some of the planet's most remote waters and feel connected to it," said Dr Shannon Corrigan, Principal Research Fellow and OceanOmics Centre Lead at the Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at the University of Western Australia.

Western Australian Museum scientists contributed taxonomic expertise and specimen-based research. Voucher specimens will be curated within the Museum's permanent reference collections, supporting species identification, taxonomic description, and open access to specimens for future deep-sea biodiversity research.

The expedition also connected deep-sea science with public audiences through live broadcasts with scientists aboard the R/V OceanXplorer. More than 100 people attended a Live Cross at the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip, while an earlier event broadcast to Christmas Island brought together approximately 80 to 100 community members and Parks Australia staff. The WA Museum live cross was recorded and is now available on the WA Museum website and YouTube, enabling broader audiences to engage with the research.

"The real legacy of expeditions like this lies in the specimens that come back to the Western Australian Museum collections. While the footage is spectacular, it is the specimens that allow us to verify what we've seen, describe the species, and provide a permanent record that scientists can return to as new questions and technologies emerge. What stood out was the diversity of coral and sponge habitats we encountered across the deep water environments of Roo Rise. Even for the seamounts that appeared similar on a map, the communities at each turned out to be very different, reinforcing just how diverse and patchy these deep-sea ecosystems are and how much there is still to discover," said Jennifer McIlwain, Director, Science at the Western Australian Museum.

Around Christmas Island, the onshore program combined eDNA sampling with community engagement and local capacity building. Thirteen activities were offered to the community, alongside participation in locally organized events. Total attendance reached approximately 345, reflecting repeat participation by community members across sampling trips, presentations, and education activities.

The expedition also collected baseline plankton and microbial data relevant to research into the Milky Seas phenomenon. Bioluminescent bacteria were successfully and consistently isolated from radiolarian and zooplankton material collected through bongo net surveys. Further population genomics and physiological analysis will examine the characteristics of these cultures.

The expedition's scientific datasets may contribute to future assessments of biodiversity, seamount ecosystems, and ecological connectivity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The work may also inform future area-based management discussions under the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction [BBNJ Agreement]. Future designation and management decisions sit with the relevant international processes.

The next phase of research will focus on taxonomic review, eDNA metabarcoding, whole-genome sequencing, and the processing of seafloor mapping and oceanographic data. Any observations involving organisms that may represent undescribed species will be communicated following scientific validation and partner approval.

Pending a data-sharing agreement, processed bathymetry is intended for submission to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Centers for Environmental Information and global mapping initiatives including GMRT, GEBCO, and Seabed 2030.

About OceanX

OceanX is a nonprofit working to unlock the ocean's sustainable potential. Through a dual focus on science and education, we're building a new paradigm where humanity and the ocean mutually thrive. Our approach is fueled by exploration, leveraging advanced research, multimedia educational programs, cross-sector partnerships, and advanced technology to transform how people understand and value the ocean. Our work strives to fortify biodiversity and increase the sustainable use of ocean resources to help ensure the ocean remains a foundation for human wellbeing and future potential. OceanX is a nonprofit operating program of Dalio Philanthropies. For more information, visit www.oceanx.org and follow OceanX on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

About Minderoo Foundation

Minderoo Foundation is driven by a commitment to create a future where people and the environment we depend on can thrive. Its work focuses on strengthening communities, advancing gender equality, and protecting natural ecosystems. While its approach centers on long-term systems change, when urgent challenges arise, including humanitarian crises, it acts quickly through targeted impact missions. Minderoo Foundation drives change by working alongside those closest to the challenge, advocating for reform, building evidence for what works, and developing solutions when none exist.

About Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at UWA (OceanOmics Centre)

As a leading ocean research institute located in the Indian Ocean region, the UWA Oceans Institute harnesses transdisciplinary expertise to drive transformative research, pioneer solutions, collaborate with communities, protect marine and coastal biodiversity, and guide critical decisions for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Embedded in the UWA Oceans Institute, the Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at UWA integrates advanced genomics infrastructure, specialist expertise, and strong collaborative networks to support large-scale environmental DNA and whole-genome sequencing research characterizing marine biodiversity. Its work establishes a genomics-enabled foundation for biodiversity discovery, ecological understanding, informed conservation management, and the development of innovative biomonitoring solutions.

About Western Australian Museum

The Western Australian Museum is the state of Western Australia's premier cultural organization, housing the state's scientific and cultural collection. For over 120 years, the Museum has made Western Australia's natural and social heritage accessible through research, exhibitions, and public programs. Today, the Museum has seven public locations and a Collection and Research Centre that houses more than eight million objects. The OceanXperience exhibition is currently on display at WA Museum Boola Bardip, with activities organized to engage members of the public in person and virtually.

NTU, Singapore

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is a globally recognized research university with strengths in marine science, environmental engineering, sustainability, and Earth systems science. Through interdisciplinary research and technological innovation, NTU contributes to understanding and conserving marine ecosystems while supporting collaborative initiatives that address regional and global ocean challenges.

About Living High Seas Initiative

The Living High Seas Initiative is an international collaboration dedicated to improving scientific knowledge and governance of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. By supporting research, policy development, and international cooperation, the initiative contributes to implementation of the BBNJ Agreement and promotes the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity on the high seas. Its collaboration with OceanX helps generate scientific data that can inform global ocean management.

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

Hashtags: #OceanX

Bitget Launches Private Copy Trading for CFD

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:26:00 +0700

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Aug. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has introduced Private Copy Trading for its CFD platform, giving professional traders the tools to build invitation-only trading communities while maintaining greater control over strategy distribution. The feature reflects the growing evolution of copy trading from a public discovery tool into a community-driven business model.

As copy trading has evolved, many successful traders have expanded beyond the platform itself, building dedicated communities across Telegram, Discord, X, and other social channels. These communities often become the primary way traders share market insights and cultivate long-term relationships. Rather than making every strategy publicly available, many now reserve their highest-conviction trades as exclusive benefits for members of those communities.

The feature introduces flexibility to community management, allowing traders to generate multiple invitation links for different communities or marketing channels, monitor conversion performance across each source, manage follower capacity independently, and remove followers when necessary. Public and private copy trading projects can also operate in parallel, enabling traders to grow a public audience while maintaining exclusive communities for selected users.

"As leaders of crypto copy trading, we've been one of the few players to evolve this segment" said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. "Traders trust data and transparent copy-trading helps in collective growth, another tier added to this is private copy trading, providing professional traders with more flexibility in sharing strategies."

The invitation-only model also helps protect proprietary trading strategies by limiting visibility to approved participants rather than opening trading activity publicly. For traders focused on client acquisition, optional registration requirements tied to invitation links provide a more targeted way to onboard new users while measuring the effectiveness of different promotional channels.

Bitget pioneered copy trading as one of the first major exchanges to make professional trading strategies accessible to a broader audience. The launch reflects a broader evolution in the creator economy surrounding trading. As professional traders increasingly build independent brands and communities, copy trading platforms are evolving from simple discovery tools into infrastructure that supports audience management, client acquisition, and long-term community growth. Private Copy Trading extends Bitget's copy trading ecosystem to meet those changing needs.

To find out more, visit here.

About Bitget

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

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