With the Trump administration cutting funding and withdrawing from numerous international organizations, criticizing the U.N. for not advancing American interests, the cautions that it may encounter a cash shortfall by July.In a January 28 communication from U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres to member state ambassadors, he pointed to unprecedented arrears and inflexible budget regulations that have placed the organization at risk.Guterres stated that the U.N. is caught in a "Kafkaesque cycle" where strict budgetary requirements compel it to return "unspent" money even when those contributions were never actually received. He noted that unpaid contributions hit an all-time high of $1.568 billion at year-end 2025, with revenue covering merely 76.7% of mandated contributions, putting the organization in a precarious position.Unless collections "drastically improve," cautioned, the U.N. will be unable to execute its 2026 budget completely and might confront a liquidity shortfall by mid-year.A high-level diplomatic source informed Digital that the secretary-general carries substantial blame for the worsening crisis, contending that red flags were apparent well before the present deficit.Per the source, key donor nations had been demanding greater efficiency and reforms for years, but substantive measures were postponed. When changes were finally implemented, the source indicated they were enacted across the board instead of through focused reductions in sectors where genuine savings could be achieved, damaging even core U.N. entities vital to the organization's mission. "He is going to go down as the worst secretary-general in the history of the U.N.," the source stated.Guterres's alert coincides with the United States, the organization's largest financial backer, has reduced voluntary contributions to numerous U.N. initiatives and declined to make some required payments, deepening the financial strain described in the secretary-general's correspondence.Wider reductions in U.S. foreign aid under the Trump administration's foreign policy shift. In January 2026, the United States formally and started withdrawing from dozens of international organizations, including several U.N. bodies, pointing to a mismatch with U.S. strategic objectives.The financial pressure has already compelled the United Nations to curtail expenditures across multiple agencies. Independent Reuters coverage reveals that U.N. entities, such as the World Food Programme and refugee organizations, are gearing up for staff reductions and program cutbacks as total contributions drop to a ten-year low.Hugh Dugan, previously a special assistant to the president and senior director for international organization affairs at the National Security Council, told Digital that the present upheaval stems from enduring structural deficiencies rather than an abrupt breakdown."We've heard this before," Dugan told Digital, alluding to frequent alerts from U.N. leadership regarding budgetary shortfalls.Dugan noted that the organization has battled for decades with irregular income streams and obsolete fiscal procedures, asserting that panic-inducing communications are improbable to rebuild donor trust absent tangible internal overhauls.He observed that Guterres, with approximately 11 months left in his term, seems preoccupied with preventing the institution from shutting down during his tenure."The doors will remain open, maybe just, but that's his legacy," Dugan remarked.When questioned about , Dugan stated it should not be perceived as a rival to the United Nations or as a substitute for its charter-based framework."I don't see it as a replacement of the principles of the U.N.," he said, characterizing the initiative as practical rather than philosophical.Dugan likened it to previous gathering initiatives like the Clinton Global Initiative, noting it concentrates on negotiation and collaboration rather than replacing the global system.Notwithstanding growing critiques of its effectiveness and financial management, Dugan said the U.N. retains one lasting strength.Citing the annual U.N. General Assembly session, Dugan stated, "When the U.N. calls a meeting today, it's routine to have more than 100 heads of state in the room." He added, "The power to convene is no small accomplishment."
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NTT DOCOMO Concludes Partnership Agreement with Aduna to Advance Global Network API Expansion
TOKYO, Japan, Jan 30, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. and Aduna announced today that they concluded a partnership agreement (the “Agreement”) on January 29, 2026. This partnership enables DOCOMO's network Application Programming Interfaces (network APIs), developed for the international markets, to be made available through Aduna's platform. Together, the companies aim to accelerate the expansion of the global network API ecosystem in response to evolving industry demand.Providing mobile network capabilities through APIs has been gaining traction globally as an effective way for enterprises to address critical issues such as fraud prevention and secure digital authentication. Supported by the CAMARA*1 framework, Mobile Network Operators are developing and exposing standardized API solutions that address critical security needs. Aduna-acting as the global aggregator*2 for these standardized APIs-provides a single, centralized access point to multiple operators worldwide, helping to accelerate ecosystem adoption and simplify enterprise integration at scale.As part of its efforts to generate new revenue streams, DOCOMO has participated in the GSMA Open Gateway*3 initiative and, since June 2025, has been collaborating with Aduna to expand network API-based services through aggregation model.Through the Agreement, DOCOMO's advanced network APIs are expected to become accessible to enterprises and developers worldwide via Aduna's global platform. This collaboration aims to support fraud prevention strategies via APIs such as Number Verification and SIM Swap detection, thus enabling enterprises to protect customers from account takeovers, identity theft, and mobile fraud. The partnership also opens up additional routes for DOCOMO to reach new customer segments through global distribution.Leveraging DOCOMO's innovation and Aduna's global aggregation and distribution model, the companies intend to support broader adoption of network APIs and enable enterprises and developers to create new, value-driven services.Nobuko Hiraguchi, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Core Network Design Department at NTT DOCOMO, commented: “We are delighted to enter into this partnership agreement with Aduna. By making NTT DOCOMO's network APIs-developed in alignment with global standards-available through Aduna's global platform, we are confident that this collaboration will help create new value that enhances the safety and comfort of each customer's daily life. NTT DOCOMO will continue to advance technical development, including network APIs, to deliver even greater value to society and our customers.”Anthony Bartolo, CEO of Aduna, commented: “Aduna was founded to help telecom operators such as DOCOMO transform standardization into real commercial value. By linking DOCOMO's advanced network APIs to a global distribution platform, we enable enterprises worldwide to innovate more quickly, securely, and at scale. This partnership strengthens Aduna's presence across the Asia region and reflects our shared commitment to accelerating the growth of the global Network API economy.”*1 The CAMARA Project is an open-source project under the Linux Foundation that develops common specifications for operator network APIs.*2 An aggregator is an entity that enables enterprises and developers to access standardized network APIs-offered by multiple mobile network operators-through a single unified platform.*3 GSMA Open Gateway is a global industry initiative launched by the GSMA to promote the commercialization of common network APIs across mobile operators.About NTT DOCOMONTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 91 million subscribers, is one of the global leaders in 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Under the slogan “Bridging Worlds for Wonder & Happiness,” DOCOMO is actively collaborating with global partners to expand its business scope from mobile services to comprehensive solutions, aiming to deliver unsurpassed value and drive innovation in technology and communications, ultimately to support positive change and advancement in global society. https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/About AdunaAduna is a landmark venture between some of the world's leading telecom operators and Ericsson, dedicated to enabling developers worldwide to accelerate innovation by leveraging networks to their full potential via common network Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Its venture partners include AT&T, Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telekom, KDDI, Orange, Reliance Jio, Singtel, Telefonica, Telstra, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Vodafone. Aduna's developer partner platforms include Google Cloud, Infobip, Sinch, and Vonage. By combining network APIs from multiple operators globally under a unified platform based on the CAMARA open-source project, driven by the GSMA and the Linux Foundation, Aduna provides a standardized platform to foster collaboration, enhance user experiences, and drive industry growth. To find out more about network APIs and Aduna, visit https://adunaglobal.com/. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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CMS (867.HK/8A8.SG): Ruxolitinib Phosphate Cream Obtained China NDA Approval, Becoming The First and Only Targeted Drug for Vitiligo in China
SHENZHEN, Jan 30, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - China Medical System Holdings Limited (“CMS” or the “Group”) is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Dermavon Holdings Limited (“Dermavon”, an innovative pharmaceutical company specialized in skin health which is applying for a separate listing on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, please refer to the announcement published by the Group on 22 April 2025 for details) received approval from the National Medical Products Administration of China (NMPA) on 30 January 2026 for the New Drug Application (NDA) of ruxolitinib phosphate cream (the “Product”) for the treatment of non-segmental vitiligo with facial involvement in children aged 12 years and older and adult patients. It is the first and only targeted drug approved in China for vitiligo, addressing a significant unmet clinical need.Ruxolitinib phosphate cream is the first and only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for repigmentation in nonsegmental vitiligo[1,2]. Prior to receiving formal NDA approval, the Group benefited from the “Early and Pilot Implementation” policy granted to the Hainan Free Trade Port and Lecheng Pilot Zone (“Lecheng Pilot Zone”), the “Hong Kong and Macau Medicine and Equipment Connect” policy, and the clinically urgently needed imported drug policies of the Beijing and Tianjin Free Trade Zones, and had already initiated the pilot application of ruxolitinib phosphate cream. Currently, Boao Super Hospital has prescribed ruxolitinib phosphate cream to over 7,000 patients with non-segmental vitiligo, and more than twenty hospitals in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Foshan, Zhongshan, Zhuhai, Jiangmen, Huizhou, Beijing and Tianjin have provided prescription services for the Product, demonstrating its clinical potential.The product has shown positive results in both overseas clinical studies and the real-world study in China: in two identical Phase III double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies (TRuE-V1 and TRuE-V2) conducted overseas, the proportion of patients achieving the primary efficacy endpoint of at least 75% improvement in the Facial Vitiligo Area Score Index (F-VASI 75) after 24 weeks of treatment with ruxolitinib phosphate cream was 29.9% in both studies, significantly higher than the 7.5% and 12.9% in the placebo groups, respectively. Continued use up to 52 weeks showed sustained repigmentation[3]. In accordance with the relevant regulations of the Lecheng Pilot Zone's real-world data application pilot project, ruxolitinib phosphate cream underwent real-world study in China, demonstrating positive efficacy consistent with the results of overseas pivotal clinical studies. All secondary efficacy endpoints in both domestic and overseas clinical studies showed a benefit trend consistent with the primary efficacy endpoint, and the treatment effect for vitiligo continued to improve with prolonged treatment. Furthermore, according to safety monitoring data from the Lecheng Pilot Zone, no new safety event was identified, no adverse event (AE) leading to discontinuation or withdrawal of treatment occurred, and no study drug-related serious adverse event (SAE) occurred.This approval in vitiligo brings new hope for treatment to over 10 million vitiligo patients in China, addressing urgent clinical needs. At the same time, it will add to Dermavon’s product portfolio in the field of skin treatment, potentially synergizing with Dermavon’s commercialized innovative drug ILUMETRI (tildrakizumab injection), commercialized exclusive drug Hirudoid (mucopolysaccharide polysulfate cream), and a series of innovative drugs under development and dermatological skin care products, in terms of expert network and market resources, thereby potentially enhancing Dermavon's position in the field of skin health.Furthermore, the Phase III clinical trial in China of ruxolitinib phosphate cream for the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD) has achieved positive results. Currently, the Group is actively advancing the NDA for ruxolitinib phosphate cream for the treatment of AD in China, which, if approved, will provide a new treatment option for a broader patient population with AD in China.About VitiligoVitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by depigmentation of the skin, which results from the loss of pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. It is estimated that there are approximately 10.3 million vitiligo patients in China and non-segmental vitiligo patients account for approximately 8.2 million[4]. Existing therapies, such as topical corticosteroids (TCS) and topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), have clinical limitations, with adverse reactions or limited efficacy with long-term use. The NDA approval of ruxolitinib phosphate cream successfully fills the gap in targeted drug treatment for vitiligo and is of great landmark significance.More About Ruxolitinib Phosphate CreamRuxolitinib phosphate cream (Opzelura®), a novel cream formulation of the selective JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib developed by Incyte, is approved for the topical treatment of nonsegmental vitiligo in adult and patients aged 12 years and older, and for the short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate AD in patients aged 2 years and older without immunodeficiency in the U.S. In Europe, ruxolitinib phosphate cream is approved for the treatment of non-segmental vitiligo with facial involvement in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age.The Group, through a subsidiary of Dermavon entered into a Collaboration and License Agreement with Incyte for ruxolitinib phosphate cream on 2 December 2022, obtaining an exclusive license to develop, register and commercialize the Product in Mainland China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macau Special Administrative Region, Taiwan Region and eleven Southeast Asian countries (the “Territory”) and a non-exclusive license to manufacture the Product in the Territory. The subsidiary of Dermavon has sublicensed the relevant rights for the Product outside Mainland China to the Group (excluding Dermavon and its subsidiary).Incyte has worldwide rights for the development and commercialization of ruxolitinib phosphate cream, marketed in the United States and Europe as Opzelura®. Opzelura® and the Opzelura® logo are registered trademarks of Incyte.About CMSCMS is a platform company linking pharmaceutical innovation and commercialization with strong product lifecycle management capability, dedicated to providing competitive products and services to meet unmet medical needs.CMS focuses on the global first-in-class (FIC) and best-in-class (BIC) innovative products, and efficiently promotes the clinical research, development and commercialization of innovative products, enabling the continuous transformation of scientific research into clinical practices to benefit patients.CMS deeply engages in several specialty therapeutic fields, and has developed proven commercialization capabilities, extensive networks and expert resources, resulting in leading academic and market positions for its major marketed products. CMS continues to promote the in-depth development in its advantageous specialty fields, strengthening the competitiveness of the cardio-cerebrovascular/ gastroenterology/ ophthalmology/ skin health businesses, bringing economies of scale in specialty fields. Among them, the skin health business (Dermavon) has become a leading enterprise in its field, and is proposed to be listed independently on the SEHK. Meanwhile, CMS continuously promotes the operation and development of its integrated R&D, manufacturing and commercialization chain in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, capturing growth opportunities in emerging markets to support the high-quality and sustainable development of the Group.Reference:1. The U.S. FDA approval information can be found on the Incyte official website, as follows:https://investor.incyte.com/news-releases/news-release-details/incyte-announces-us-fda-approval-opzeluratm-ruxolitinib-cream2. The EMA approval information can be found on the Incyte official website, as follows:https://investor.incyte.com/news-releases/news-release-details/incyte-announces-european-commission-approval-opzelurar3. The clinical studies information can be found on the Opzelura® official website, as follows:https://www.opzelura.com/opzelura-prescribing-information4. China Insights Consultancy’s industrial reportCMS Disclaimer and Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release is not intended to promote any products to you and is not for advertising purposes. This press release does not recommend any drugs, medical devices and/or indications. If you want to know more about the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases, please follow the opinions or guidance of your doctor or other medical and health professionals. Any treatment-related decisions made by healthcare professionals should be based on the patient’s specific circumstances and in accordance with the drug package insert.This press release which has been prepared by CMS does not constitute any offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities, and shall not form the basis for or be relied on in connection with any contract or binding commitment whatsoever. This press release has been prepared by CMS based on information and data which it considers reliable, but CMS makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, whatsoever, and no reliance shall be placed on, the truth, accuracy, completeness, fairness and reasonableness of the contents of this press release. Certain matters discussed in this press release may contain statements regarding the Group’s market opportunity and business prospects that are individually and collectively forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Any forward-looking statements and projections made by third parties included in this press release are not adopted by the Group and the Company is not responsible for such third-party statements and projections.Media ContactBrand: China Medical System Holdings Ltd.Contact: CMS Investor RelationsEmail: ir@cms.net.cnWebsite: https://web.cms.net.cn/en/home/ Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Trump administration designates Israel as ‘model US ally’ ahead of major military aid negotiations
Last week, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth released the 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS), a Pentagon blueprint that elevates Israel as a "model ally" and translates President Donald Trump's national security doctrine into concrete military policy."Israel has long demonstrated that it is both willing and able to defend itself with critical but limited support from the United States. Israel is a model ally, and we have an opportunity now to further empower it to defend itself and promote our shared interests, building on President Trump's historic efforts to secure peace in the Middle East," the document stated.The document is now influencing parallel debates over the future of U.S. security assistance to Israel and whether the next Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) should continue delivering traditional U.S. military aid to Israel amid dissenting voices that portray the alliance as a burden rather than a strategic asset.According to the strategy, Israel proved its ability and willingness to defend itself following the Oct. 7 attacks, demonstrating that it is not a passive partner but an operational force that supports U.S. interests in the region. The strategy emphasizes empowering capable allies rather than constraining them, building on President Trump's earlier push for regional integration.Jonathan Ruhe, director of foreign policy at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America, said the strategy reflects a broader American shift toward partnerships that strengthen both U.S. security and domestic industry."The funding in the MOU is spent in dollars here in America to support our industry," Ruhe told Digital. "And like in the national security strategy, it then enables Israel to go and do more to protect U.S. interests."He said a future agreement would likely extend beyond funding alone. "A new MOU would also likely be broader and include things that are more 50-50 partnership, like joint research and development, co-production, intelligence sharing and things like that to reflect the changing partnership going forward," Ruhe said.The strategy also highlights the importance of revitalizing the American defense industrial base, noting that allies purchasing U.S. systems help strengthen domestic production while enabling partners to shoulder greater responsibility for regional security.Avner Golov, vice president of the Israeli think tank Mind Israel, said the document makes clear that Israel is viewed not merely as a recipient of aid: "Israel is in the fight. We are protecting ourselves by ourselves. We just need the tools to do that. And by doing so, we enhance not only America's standing in the Middle East, but also worldwide and contribute to the American economy."That framing comes as Israel and the United States prepare for negotiations over the next 10-year MOU, which governs U.S. military assistance to Israel. The current agreement, signed in 2016, provides $3.3 billion annually in foreign military financing, along with $500 million a year for missile defense cooperation.The debate follows tensions during the Biden administration, when the White House paused the delivery of certain U.S. weapons to Israel in May 2024, including a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs. At the time, Netanyahu warned that Israel "will stand alone" if Washington halted weapons deliveries, reflecting concern that limits or delays in U.S. military support could undermine Israel's readiness and deterrence.Experts have noted that U.S. leaders have not always approved every Israeli weapons request and that roughly 70% of Israel's military imports come from the United States, underscoring the strategic calculus behind Prime Minister Netanyahu's recent push for greater independent production.Golov criticized that approach, arguing it risks prioritizing optics over readiness. "I believe that is a short-term vision," Golov said. "In the long term, Israel must first be prepared for the next round of escalation. If we are not ready, we will face another war. If we are prepared, perhaps we can deter it.""Israel must remain the strongest army in the region, and that is also a fundamental American interest," Golov said.Ruhe said the debate reflects lessons learned from nearly two years of war. "You've got this sort of topsy-turvy world now where the Israelis are saying we don't want to take any more U.S. money, and the Americans are saying, no, you're going to take our money," he said.According to Ruhe, the conflict exposed vulnerabilities created by heavy dependence on U.S. supply chains and political delays."The war of the last two years showed that Israel can't afford to be as dependent on the U.S. or continue to maintain the same defense partnership that it has because that creates a dependence," he said. "Israel becomes vulnerable to U.S. shortages in weapons output or politically motivated embargoes and holdups that can impact Israel's readiness."At the same time, Ruhe noted that Israel remains reliant on the United States for major platforms."Even Israel will say we're utterly dependent on the U.S. for those big-ticket platforms," he said, pointing to aircraft such as the F-15 and F-35 that Israel has already committed to purchasing.For that reason, Ruhe argued that maintaining current funding levels may be the most practical path forward."It's actually much easier for Congress just to go ahead and approve that money," he said, explaining that predictable funding reduces annual political battles on Capitol Hill.Golov said Israel's long-term objective should not be reducing ties with Washington, but deepening them. "I don't want to reduce dependency," he said. "I want to increase contribution to America."He described the emerging vision as a fundamental shift in how the alliance is structured. "We are moving from a 20th-century aid model to a 21st-century strategic merger," Golov said. "Israel is the only partner that delivers a 400% return on investment without asking for a single American soldier."Golov said the proposed framework is built around three pillars: an industrial defense ecosystem, a joint technology ecosystem and a regional ecosystem connecting Israeli innovation, Gulf infrastructure and American power.He emphasized that maintaining U.S. security assistance during the transition period is critical."We need a final ten-year 'bridge' with the current security aid MOU," Golov said. "A sudden cut would be a dangerous signal of American retreat to our enemies and may hinder IDF preparedness.""I don't know who the next president of the United States will be," he added. "This is where our enemies can read it in a very dangerous way."
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SuperX Commences Production at First Global Supply Center
OSAKA, Japan, January 30, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - SuperX AI Technology Limited (NASDAQ: SUPX) ("the Company" or "SuperX"), an emerging AI Data Center infrastructure solutions provider, today announced the official start of production at its newly established SuperX Global Supply Center in Japan. Located in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture, Japan, this facility represents SuperX’s primary supply hub. The commencement of production at this facility marks the Company's transition from engineering and preparation to scaled commercial production. Located in Japan, this center is established to serve SuperX’s global customer base.Strategic Rationale & Operational FocusSuperX selected Japan for its first supply center to integrate Japan’s established industrial capabilities with SuperX’s technical expertise. The center focuses on three pragmatic objectives:Manufacturing Quality: Leveraging Japan’s rigorous execution standards to ensure high reliability for high-performance AI servers.Production Scale: The facility is currently capable of delivering up to 20,000 AI servers annually, providing the capacity needed to fulfill immediate demand, and expandable to fulfil future global orders.Global Export: Serving as a consolidated hub for system integration and logistics, streamlining delivery to international markets.Market ProgressThe commencement of production at the SuperX Global Supply Center supports the Company’s immediate commercial execution. In January, 2026, SuperX has secured customer purchase orders with an estimated total value of USD 910 million. Separately, the Company has also entered into MOUs with several potential customers for the purchase of 5,000 units of AI servers within the next 12 months, with an estimated total order value of up to USD 2.1 billion.Globalized Support ServicesTo better support customers through AI server product deployment and post-sales services, SuperX is rolling out a standardized technical service system, including 24/7 response via a global support center based in Singapore, expert-level technical support, and end-to-end services. For domestic Japanese delivery and operations, SuperX combines a global technical team with a local spare-parts network. This enables customizable project implementation services, and tiered SLA-backed on-site maintenance options to support rapid go-live and stable operation. Executive Commentary"This is a foundational moment for SuperX," said Dr. Chenhong Huang, Chairman and CEO of SuperX. "By establishing our first SuperX Global Supply Center in Japan, we are securing the engineering discipline and quality assurance required to compete on a global stage. This facility allows us to control our production standards and deliver reliable, full-stack AI solutions to our customers worldwide."About SuperX AI Technology Limited (NASDAQ: SUPX) SuperX AI Technology Limited is an AI infrastructure solutions provider, offering a comprehensive portfolio of proprietary hardware, advanced software, and end-to-end services for AI data centers. The Company's services include advanced solution design and planning, cost-effective infrastructure product integration, and end-to-end operations and maintenance. Its core products include high-performance AI servers, 800 Volts Direct Current (800VDC) solutions, high-density liquid cooling solutions, as well as AI cloud and AI agents. Headquartered in-Singapore, the Company serves institutional clients globally, including enterprises, research institutions, and cloud and edge computing deployments. For more information, please visit:www.superx.sg Safe Harbor Statement This press release may contain forward-looking statements. In addition, from time to time, we or our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the information currently available to us. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as "may," "should," "expects," "anticipates," "contemplates," "estimates," "believes," "plans," "projected," "predicts," "potential," or "hopes" or the negative of these or similar terms. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including: our ability to change the direction of the Company; our ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; and the competitive environment of our business. These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are only predictions. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking events discussed in this press release, including quantities and estimated value of orders and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives, may not occur, and actual events and results may differ materially and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about us. The quantities and estimated order value mentioned in the MOUsA are non-binding and subject to the execution of purchase orders and definitive agreements . Actual delivery schedules and value of AI servers may vary based on customer data center readiness and supply chain conditions. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives might not occur. Follow our social media: X.com:https://x.com/SUPERX_AI_ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/superx-ai Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/people/Super-X-AI-Technology-Limited/61578918040072/# Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Quam Plus Financial Proudly Serves as Gold Sponsor, The 3rd Hong Kong Capital Markets Forum 2026 Successfully Concludes Seizing New Opportunities, Activating New Momentum, Creating a Bright Financial Future
HONG KONG, January 30, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Quam Plus International Financial Limited ("Quam Plus Financial" or the "Group") is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the "3rd Hong Kong Capital Markets Forum 2026" held at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. The Group is honored to be one of the Gold Sponsors of this prestigious event. Dr. Kenneth Lam, CEO of the Group, who also serves as Chairman of the Forum Organizing Committee cum Executive Deputy Chairman of The Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies (CHKLC), led a delegation of senior management to attend the forum. Mr. Paul Chan Mo-Po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary of the Government of HKSAR were also in attendance. Together with prominent figures from the capital markets, government, academia, and the financial sector, they engaged in in-depth discussions on further strengthening Hong Kong's economic momentum.The forum was jointly organized by Hong Kong Association of Registered Public Interest Entity Auditors Limited (PIEAA), The Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies (CHKLC), The Hong Kong Institute of Directors (HKIoD), and the Association of Hong Kong Capital Market Practitioners Limited (HKCMP), with strong support from key institutions including Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), and the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council (AFRC).As the global economy enters a new cycle of innovation and transformation, this year's forum, themed "Capturing the Next Growth Momentum” explored how Hong Kong can reinvent itself amid a rapidly changing international financial landscape, rebuild confidence, and transform challenges into powerful drivers of progress.As the globalMr. Paul Chan Mo-Po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, served as the Guest of Honour and delivered the keynote address. He stated: "In my view, the global environment is shifting in ways that create new and favourable opportunities for Hong Kong. Our challenge is how to seize the moment and deliver tangible outcomes. More specifically, that involves supporting the country's high-quality development; matching the needs of Mainland enterprises going global and the appetite of international investors; and, at the same time, driving Hong Kong's own growth."Dr. Kenneth Lam, in his capacity as Chairman of the Forum Organizing Committee, delivered the opening remarks: "As a vital financial hub connecting China and the world, our mission is to strengthen confidence, deepen integration, and expand diverse growth engines. We must keenly identify the next wave of growth drivers and ensure that markets advance in a balanced manner between flexibility and integrity. Positioned at the core of global transformation, this forum reminds us once again that progress is never accidental—it stems from resolute choices: with innovation as our aspiration, collaboration as our bridge, and conviction as our strength, we can lead Hong Kong forward and open up new chapters."Hong Kong now stands at the heart of global change. Advancing the capital markets requires not only visionary policies and regulation but also active participation and collaboration from all sectors. This year's forum focused on two key themes—digital asset development and capital market structural reform—examining how technological innovation can coexist with trust to drive reforms that build greater market resilience.As a proud Gold Sponsor of this year's forum, Quam Plus Financial looks forward to working hand in hand with all stakeholders, including central government offices in Hong Kong and other parties, to propel Hong Kong and the region toward new achievements. Together, we aim to seize new opportunities, activate new momentum, and march toward a high-quality, sustainable financial future.About Quam Plus International Financial LimitedQuam Plus International Financial Limited (the “Company”, Stock Code: 00952.HK) is a Hong Kong based financial services group which is listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. The Company was publicly listed in Hong Kong in 1997, it is committed to building a comprehensive, full-licensed integrated financial platform. The core businesses of the Company are brokerage business, interest income business, corporate finance business, asset management business and investments and other businesses. The Company strives to become the ideal partner for both corporate and individual investors in Hong Kong and China. The Company also offers premier one-stop financial services to its clients. The Company continued to provide capital markets services through its representative office or the wholly-owned foreign enterprise in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Shenyang, Ningbo, Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou and Xiamen of the PRC and through its networks of Global Alliance Partners network and Oaklins International.For further information, please contact:Quam IR LimitedMandy Lo Tel: (852) 2217-2753 Email: mandy.lo@quamgroup.comCharlie Chan Tel: (852) 2217-2504 Email: charlie.chan@quamgroup.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: emer
From Digitization to AI Computing: Cheche Group Inc. (CCG) Partners with Volkswagen DSSO and Cardif Airstar Insurance to Usher in the “Premium Era” of Advanced Smart Driving Insurance
HONG KONG, January 30, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – As China’s first batch of Level 3 (L3) conditionally autonomous driving vehicles receives official market access, advanced smart driving is poised for its inaugural year of commercial explosion. At this pivotal juncture, Cheche Group Inc. (CCG) ("Cheche" or the "Company"), a leading global InsurTech platform, announced the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement with Volkswagen (Anhui) Digital Sales and Services Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "DSSO") and Beijing Cardif Airstar Property & Casualty Insurance Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "Cardif Airstar Insurance").This tripartite collaboration is more than just a deep dive into high-quality growth for New Energy Vehicle (NEV) insurance; it represents a core transition from "digitization" to "intelligence." The partnership establishes three strategic directions for synergy. First, it focuses on the transformation of product formats by leveraging Cheche’s SaaS platform to co-create an integrated "Insurance + Value-Added Services" package, enabling the efficient, one-stop fulfillment of high-value services. Second, it upgrades pricing capabilities by deeply integrating compliant driving data with dynamic vehicle information, utilizing AI-driven risk profiling to achieve differentiated precision pricing while addressing the complex challenge of liability determination in human-machine co-driving scenarios. Finally, it expands the ecosystem dimension by embedding insurance services throughout the vehicle sales and after-sales process, extending the business from a single policy to a full-lifecycle service ecosystem that encompasses renewal management and mobility protection.01. Smart Driving Insurance: Securing "Pricing Authority" in the L3 Mass Production EraTraditional auto insurance has long struggled with "human-machine co-driving" scenarios due to a lack of real-time dynamic data for liability determination and precise risk identification. Having served leading automakers such as Tesla, Li Auto, and Xiaomi, Cheche provides VW Anhui Digital with an embedded SaaS system centered on data attribution and dynamic pricing.Through this SaaS infrastructure, vehicle driving data is seamlessly synchronized with BNP Paribas Star’s actuarial models. This AI-driven joint risk profiling not only resolves the technical difficulties of liability judgment in smart driving scenarios but also delivers a "low-premium rewards for safe drivers," serving as a vital solution to the profitability challenges currently facing the NEV insurance industry.02. Ecosystem Breakthrough: Leveraging the "Xiaomi + Volkswagen DSSO" New Quality Productive ForcesInvestors are closely watching the cross-sector dynamics underpinning this collaboration. Cardif Airstar Insurance was co-founded by Xiaomi Group, Volkswagen Financial Services, and Cardif Airstar Insurance, combining the strengths of an internet giant, a global financial powerhouse, and a leading smart automaker.As the hub connecting these forces with Volkswagen’s Hefei Intelligent Electric Vehicle Center, Cheche is penetrating the world’s top smart driving supply chains. This is not merely system integration; it marks Cheche’s evolution into a digital operator within the "Vehicle-Battery-Charging-Insurance" integrated landscape. Amid policy tailwinds such as "New Quality Productive Forces," Cheche’s closed-loop ecosystem is becoming a definitive growth pole for insurance and tech capital.03. Scenario Transformation: From Transactional Policies to Full-Lifecycle OperationsIn 2026, as the automotive market shifts from a competition over hardware parameters to a competition over user experience, Cheche is helping DSSO deeply couple insurance services with the car-buying and after-sales journey. The integrated service package transforms insurance from a low-frequency tool into a high-frequency touchpoint for user engagement.Christian Koenig, After-sales Director of DSSO, noted that Cheche’s technical foundation allowed the partnership to advance rapidly from a high starting point. This "plug-and-play" empowerment capability, proven by mainstream automakers, has become a technical moat for Cheche in the capital markets.04. Conclusion: The Final Piece of the Trillion-Dollar Blue OceanThe year 2026 marks the point where NEV insurance evolves from scale expansion to intelligent upgrades. Cheche will continue to advance its AI pricing engine, driving the leap from digital to intelligent services.According to data released by the Ministry of Public Security on January 26, China’s NEV ownership reached 43.97 million units by the end of 2025, accounting for 12.01% of the total vehicle population—a growth rate exceeding 40% year-over-year. In this environment, those who define the insurance standards for the smart driving era will control the entry point to future mobility. With its high barriers to entry via OEM partnerships and forward-looking AI layouts, Cheche is racing toward becoming a leader in the trillion-dollar NEV insurance market. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: emer
Nissin Foods (Hong Kong) Charity Fund Supports Elite Athletes from The Education University of Hong Kong for the Fourth Consecutive Year
HONG KONG, January 30, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – 27 January 2026, Nissin Foods (Hong Kong) Charity Fund (“Charity Fund”) announced its continued support for elite athletes from The Education University of Hong Kong (“EdUHK”) for the fourth consecutive year. The Presentation Ceremony for the Nissin Foods Scholarship for Elite Athletes 2025/2026 was held to honour seven outstanding athletes who not only demonstrate excellence in their respective sports but also aspire to become future educators. The scholarship will cover their full tuition fees throughout their entire study period, enabling them to pursue their academic and athletic goals without financial concerns.Established in 2022 by the Nissin Foods (Hong Kong) Charity Fund, the scholarship is designed to encourage elite athletes enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Education (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sports Science and Coaching, or the Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme at EdUHK. The initiative aims to support their dual career development, empowering them to become qualified health educators while continuing to strive for excellence in their athletic performance.The seven awardees for the 2025/2026 academic year include new and renewing recipients. The four new awardees are: Mr. MOK Pak Fan (triathlon), Mr. WONG Pak Yiu (triathlon), Miss HO Kin Yiu (volleyball), and Miss YAN Nuo (shuttlecock). In addition to welcoming new scholars, the Charity Fund also made the scholarship renewable to support the elite athletes throughout their study period. The three recipients of the renewed scholarship are: Mr. CHOI Kwan Lok (cycling, retired), Mr. CHEN Pak Hong (rowing), and Mr. Joseph LAU (cycling).Mr. Kiyotaka ANDO, Chairman of Nissin Foods (Hong Kong) Charity Fund, said, “Having been deeply rooted in Hong Kong for over four decades, Nissin Foods is steadfast in its mission to give back to the community. This scholarship is a direct reflection of our founder Mr. Momofuku Ando’s philosophy that ‘Eating and sports are the two axles of health.’ By supporting these talented athletes at EdUHK for the fourth year, we are not just providing financial support, we are investing in future leaders who will champion health and wellness in our society. We are proud to empower them on their dual career path, confident that they will inspire the next generation as both accomplished athletes and dedicated educators.”Expressing his profound gratitude for the long-standing partnership, Professor Chetwyn CHAN, Vice President (Research and Development) of EdUHK, said, “EdUHK is dedicated to promoting sustainable dual-career pathways for high-performance athletes. The generous Nissin Foods Scholarship for Elite Athletes allows us to support both active and retired athletes in advancing their educational pursuits, while also recognising their exceptional sporting accomplishments. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the scholarship recipients, who demonstrated great passion, determination, and a sense of mission, and sincerely thank the Nissin Foods (Hong Kong) Charity Fund, and Mr Ando for the tremendous support and confidence in health education and the development of elite athletes.”Accomplished volleyball player Miss HO Kin Yiu, recipient of the scholarship from the Postgraduate Diploma in Education, majoring in Chinese and Physical Education, shared her heartfelt appreciation to the Charity Fund, “The support of the scholarship empowers us, as elite athlete-students, to chase our aspirations and make a meaningful influence on society. We are confident that we can help create a brighter future through the spirit of sports and education.”PhotoMr. Kiyotaka ANDO, Chairman of Nissin Foods (Hong Kong) Charity Fund (middle right), and Professor Chetwyn CHAN, Vice President (Research and Development) of EdUHK (middle left), attended the Presentation Ceremony for Nissin Foods Scholarship for Elite Athletes 2025/2026 on 27 January 2026. Five scholarship recipients attended the ceremony, including four new awardees for the 2025/2026 academic year, namely: (from left to right) Mr. MOK Pak Fan, Mr. WONG Pak Yiu, Miss HO Kin Yiu, and Miss YAN Nuo, as well as the renewed awardee - Mr. CHOI Kwan Lok. Awardees of the Nissin Foods Scholarship for Elite Athletes 2025/2026 are achieving great success in their individual disciplines. From top left: Mr. WONG Pak Yiu (triathlon), Miss HO Kin Yiu (volleyball), Mr. MOK Pak Fan (triathlon), Miss YAN Nuo (shuttlecock), Mr. CHOI Kwan Lok (cycling, retired), Mr. CHEN Pak Hong (rowing), and Mr. Joseph LAU (cycling).About Nissin Foods (Hong Kong) Charity FundThe Nissin Foods (Hong Kong) Charity Fund (“Charity Fund”) was set up in September 2020 by way of a trust deed by Nissin Foods Company Limited (Stock code: 1475). The objectives of the Charity Fund are: a) to advance education, teaching, learning, arts, science and academic research; b) to make provision for people in need; and c) to carry out works of a charitable nature that are beneficial to the Hong Kong community. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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China Unicom Attains the China Securities ‘Golden Bauhinia Awards’
EQS via SeaPRwire.com / 30/01/2026 / 15:29 UTC+8 Hong Kong, 30 January 2026 – On 30 January 2026, the 15th Hong Kong International Financial Forum and China Securities "Golden Bauhinia Awards" Ceremony, co-hosted by Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group, Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, Chinese Financial Association of Hong Kong, Chinese Securities Association of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute, was grandly held in Hong Kong. The event is a publicly recognised selection with extensive influence in the capital markets of Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong. China Unicom (Hong Kong) Limited (HKEx: 762) has been honored with two awards: "Best Listed Company" and "Best Investor Relations Listed Company". Mr. Chen Shuxiong, President of China Unicom (Hong Kong) Limited Hong Kong Headquarter, accepted the awards on behalf of the Company. These awards reflect the capital market’s recognition of the Company’s performance over the past year in areas including market capitalisation performance, investor relations, information disclosure, corporate governance, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. As an important platform for documenting industrial transformation and fostering communication between the capital markets of Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong, receiving the "Golden Bauhinia Awards" will serve as a driver for the Company's high-quality development. Going forward, China Unicom will adhere to the main keynote of "upholding integrity and fostering innovation, and advancing steadily for long-term growth", focus on the core arenas of "connectivity", "computing", "service" and "security", continuously improve the long-term mechanism for market value management, deepen its classified and differentiated investor relations management, steadily enhance the standard of compliant information disclosure, and create greater value for shareholders, customers, employees and society. - End - For media enquiries, please contact: China Unicom (Hong Kong) Limited Corporate Affairs Department Mr. Chris Chen Tel: (852) 2121 3212 Email: chris@chinaunicom.com.hk 30/01/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com
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Huitongda Network (9878.HK) Received Listing Approval for H Share Full Circulation, Unleashes Market Liquidity and Growth Potential
EQS via SeaPRwire.com / 30/01/2026 / 14:45 UTC+8 Huitongda Network (9878.HK) recently announced that it has received the filing notice by the CSRC and the listing approval by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange regarding its application for the full circulation of H shares. This marks a key step in the company’s efforts to optimize its capital structure and enhance market liquidity. Upon the completion of H share full circulation, Huitongda’s negotiable market capitalization is expected to significantly increase, which would in turn create strong market awareness and valuation recovery momentum. Increasing Circulating Shares to Boost Trading Activity According to the announcement, the number of H shares in circulation will increase by approximately twofold upon the completion of conversion and procedures, leading to a substantial increase in public float. Stock analysts generally believe that such an increase will optimize trading structure, encourage market participation, and attract more institutional investors and passive funds. In the Hong Kong stock market, liquidity has been one of the key factors influencing valuation. With a material increase in free float, it is expected that Huitongda will see an improved pricing efficiency in the secondary market, laying the foundation for a proper reflection of its intrinsic value. Based on its recent share price performance, the market has also responded favourably towards the expected improvement in fundamentals and its progress in H share full circulation, with the share price standing firm above the HK$10 mark. The company, especially its upcoming performance, is expected to be increasingly under investors’ radar. Earnings Growth, Share Repurchase, and Dividend Distribution to Progressively Realize Its Capital Market Strategy While optimizing its capital structure, Huitongda has been steadily implementing its plans for business growth and improving shareholders’ return. The expectation of “earnings growth + share repurchase plan + dividend distribution” has essentially formed a positive feedback loop, garnering investors’ attention. On operations, Huitongda remains committed to pursuing high-quality growth, seeking strategic transformation by focusing on supply chain upgrades, self-owned brands development, and AI empowerment. The market remains optimistic over its prospects of achieving a double-digit earnings growth in the future. Supported by the substantial improvement in profitability, Huitongda may also enter a window of valuation recovery. In terms of shareholders’ return, Huitongda has used its capital reserves to offset accumulated losses, reducing its accumulated losses to RMB0. This has essentially removed the key potential obstacle in dividend distribution, laying the foundation for a stable dividend policy in the future. Considering its strong cash position and stable cash flow performance, the possibility of a dividend return should further boost its market performance. In addition, Huitongda previously announced a share repurchase plan of up to RMB500 million, and has backed up its confidence with a series of repurchase activities. According to public disclosure, since 25 November 2025, Huitongda has repurchased its shares for 20 trading days, buying a total of 1,395,700 shares over the past two months. The sustained buyback activities have provided solid support to its share price, while also highlighting management’s confidence and recognition of its long-term value. Liquidity Enhancement and Fundamental Improvement to Drive Re-rating From a medium-to-long-term perspective, H share full circulation is not merely a one-off capital structure movement, but an important milestone in Huitongda’s strategic transition. On the one hand, the expansion of free float is expected to enhance market liquidity and facilitate broader investor participation; on the other hand, with a clear path to earnings growth, the improvement in underlying fundamentals is also providing a strong support for valuation recovery. On the combination of “full share circulation + share repurchase + dividend distribution”, Huitongda’s capital market narrative is becoming increasingly clear, forming a positive loop with improved liquidity to boost market attention; earnings recovery to strengthen underlying fundamentals, and enhanced shareholders’ return to induce investment appetite. To Huitongda, the market believes that the implementation of H share full circulation will open new and broader capital market channels for the company. As Huitongda continues to deliver on its business and capital market initiatives, it may be at the inflection point of revaluation, entering a new phase of strong share price performance. 30/01/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com
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by: jenn
Is Wonder Man a Mutant? Marvel TV Has Discussed the Question
Marvel StudiosNot every Marvel Cinematic Universe character will have an origin story identical to their comic book version. While the MCU’s early films stayed relatively true to their source material, recent films and shows have shifted, and Wonder Man is the newest hero to undergo a complete reimagining. In the comics, his powers come from ionic radiation exposure. But in his Disney+ premiere, we never find out how he got his super strength or — though he could have been born with them.Co-showrunner Andrew Guest says that was intentional. The team wanted to honor a particular type of superhero movie when exploring Simon Williams’ (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) backstory: Fox’s X-Men franchise.“We wanted to ensure Simon Williams’ powers fit his character,” Guest recently told . “I think back to the first X-Men movie and how the teenagers’ powers felt so tied to their psychology... And Simon’s powers felt like something that was just part of him, not something he was either excited about or even wanted to understand.”Simon might be a mutant, but the Wonder Man team wanted to leave the situation open-ended. | Marvel StudiosWe never see Simon getting his powers, but Wonder Man does delve into how they show up, much like the X-Men films introduce Rogue and Cyclops when their abilities first surface. It’s hard not to wonder if Simon is a mutant, and apparently the Wonder Man team thought about that too. For now, though, it’s up to the decision-makers.“That’s a great question,” Guest said. “We talked about it, but we chose not to give an answer.”Wonder Man exists in a much bigger universe, so choices like this are probably beyond Guest’s control. Even so, Simon is practically a mutant except for the official label. Do we really need explicit confirmation after Wonder Man dropped such heavy hints?Wonder Man is streaming on Disney+.
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Shoucheng Holdings’ Robotics Portfolio Gains Visibility as AI and Automation Take the Stage at China’s 2026 CMG New Year’s Gala
HONG KONG, January 30, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – A growing number of robotics and artificial intelligence companies backed by Shoucheng Holdings Limited are set to appear at China’s 2026 CMG New Year’s Gala, reflecting the investor’s expanding footprint across the country’s emerging automation and embodied intelligence sectors.The latest company to confirm its participation is Noetix Robotics, according to recent announcements. Shoucheng Holdings led the company’s financing round in 2024 and has continued to increase its investment through subsequent rounds, making it Noetix Robotics’ largest external investor, people familiar with the matter said.Noetix Robotics’ appearance adds to a lineup that already includes other Shoucheng-backed firms. Unitree Robotics, known for its quadruped and humanoid robots, was earlier named a robot partner of the 2026 Gala, marking its third appearance on the program. Beijing Galbot Co., Ltd., which focuses on embodied artificial intelligence systems, has also been designated by China Media Group as the Gala’s embodied large-model robot.The clustering of multiple portfolio companies on the same edition of the Gala places Shoucheng Holdings among a small group of investors with broad representation on one of China’s most-watched annual broadcasts. The event, which regularly draws hundreds of millions of viewers, has increasingly been used as a platform to highlight advances in artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced manufacturing.China Media Group, the organizer of the Gala, has in recent years expanded the role of technology-focused programming, aligning with national policy priorities around intelligent manufacturing and industrial upgrading. While participation in the Gala does not directly translate into revenue, companies and investors see it as an important signal of technical maturity and policy relevance.Unitree Robotics’ repeated appearances underscore this dynamic. The company has previously used the Gala to demonstrate improvements in motion control, balance and coordination, capabilities that are critical as robots move from laboratory environments into commercial and industrial settings. Its continued inclusion suggests confidence in its engineering progress and deployment readiness.Galbot’s designation as the Gala’s embodied large-model robot reflects a broader shift in focus from mechanical performance alone to systems that integrate perception, reasoning and physical execution. Embodied artificial intelligence—where large models are combined with real-world robotic interaction—has become a priority area for Chinese research institutions and technology companies as generative AI expands beyond software applications.The addition of Noetix Robotics introduces another layer to the lineup. The company concentrates on robotic power systems and core engineering components, segments that are increasingly viewed as strategic as China seeks to reduce reliance on imported technologies and strengthen domestic supply chains. Shoucheng Holdings’ sustained backing of Noetix Robotics highlights an investment strategy that spans both complete robotic systems and foundational hardware.Shoucheng Holdings has steadily increased its exposure to robotics over the past several years, backing companies involved in full-stack robotics, embodied intelligence and critical components. Rather than focusing on a single technological approach, the firm has adopted a portfolio strategy that combines capital investment with access to application scenarios and commercialization platforms.One such platform is the Shoucheng Robot Tech Experience Store, a robotics-focused retail and demonstration network operated by the company. While not all Gala participants are Shoucheng investees, some companies, including MagicLab Robotics Technology (Wuxi) Co., Ltd., have placed products such as robotic dogs within the platform’s offline spaces for demonstrations and user engagement. MagicLab was named a strategic intelligent robotics partner for the Year of the Horse CMG New Year’s Gala earlier this year.By linking high-profile media exposure with physical demonstration and sales environments, Shoucheng Holdings aims to accelerate the transition from technology showcase to market adoption, according to people familiar with the platform’s positioning. The approach mirrors a broader trend among Chinese industrial investors to combine financial backing with scenario-based deployment.Industry analysts say the concentration of Shoucheng-backed companies on the 2026 Gala stage illustrates how China’s robotics sector is evolving from isolated prototypes toward more integrated industrial ecosystems. The presence of companies spanning full robotic platforms, embodied intelligence and core engineering components suggests increasing specialization and coordination across the value chain.As preparations for the 2026 CMG New Year’s Gala continue, robotics and artificial intelligence are expected to remain central themes. For Shoucheng Holdings, the event offers a snapshot of how its investments are converging on a national platform, reflecting a strategy that has shifted from selective bets to a broader, system-oriented approach to industrial technology.While the commercial impact of Gala exposure is difficult to quantify, market participants increasingly view the lineup as an indicator of which technologies and companies are gaining momentum within China’s rapidly changing AI and automation landscape. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: jenn
Guillermo Del Toro’s Latest Best Monster Movie Is Receiving A Massive Upgrade
NetflixI was completely captivated by last year. Guillermo del Toro's interpretation of Mary Shelley's gothic horror really charmed me. Even though its approach to the source material might have been controversial, it's clearly his masterpiece. It's a wonderful blend of his influences, , and a poignant portrayal of fathers and sons. I've watched it four times, but I still want more from del Toro's world. Fortunately, the director isn't done with Frankenstein either.Even though it's been months since Frankenstein was released on Netflix, the excitement around the film isn't dying down. Not only did it receive nine Academy Award nominations, including for Best Picture, but del Toro is reportedly going to release an extended version soon.The director showed up at this year's Sundance Film Festival to present a 4K restoration of his 1992 debut, Cronos. While there, he said that he's working on a longer version of Frankenstein. Del Toro didn't reveal much about what he's calling the "all the stitches" cut, but it's definitely a nice thing for those who want to go back to his enhanced world.An extended version of Frankenstein is in the works. | NetflixDel Toro has made great efforts to release Frankenstein as widely as possible, providing various experiences for fans. The film was shown in theaters — including — before its Netflix premiere, and del Toro also made it clear that it would have a physical release. That's a rare thing for any Netflix original. Even though the streaming service hasn't announced a release date yet, it's good to know that it's coming.There's a possibility that del Toro's "all the stitches" cut will be one of the features of Frankenstein's physical release. It could also potentially bring Frankenstein back to theaters. The scope of its theatrical run was quite limited the first time around, but Netflix's relationship with accessible theater chains like AMC has improved in just a few months. It collaborated with AMC to release its animated hit, KPop Demon Hunters, for a limited time. Frankenstein and Train Dreams will also be shown in AMC theaters as part of its . The extended cut of Frankenstein could get the same treatment in the future, and if it does, I'll go watch it a fifth time.Frankenstein is streaming on Netflix.
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by: nicole
Trump proclaims national emergency on Cuba, threatens tariffs on countries providing oil to communist regime
President Trump issued an executive order on Thursday, declaring a national emergency regarding Cuba. He accused the communist regime of collaborating with hostile foreign powers and terrorist organizations, and announced measures to penalize nations that provide oil to the island.The executive order characterizes Cuba's policies and actions as posing "an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, which originates entirely or substantially from outside the country."In response to this threat, Trump mandated the establishment of a tariff system enabling the United States to levy additional duties on imports from nations that "directly or indirectly sell or otherwise provide oil to Cuba," as stated in the order.The administration indicated that this action represents a major escalation against the Cuban government, designed to safeguard U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.According to the order, Trump asserted that Cuba aligns with and supports "numerous hostile nations, transnational terrorist organizations, and malicious actors opposed to the United States," specifically citing Russia, China, Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah.The administration noted that Cuba hosts Russia's largest overseas signals intelligence facility, which the order claims is used to steal sensitive U.S. national security data. The order also alleges that Cuba is continuing to expand its intelligence and defense collaboration with China.The order states that Cuba "welcomes transnational terrorist organizations, including Hezbollah and Hamas."Trump also referenced Cuba's human rights record, charging the regime with persecuting and torturing political dissidents, suppressing freedom of speech and press, and punishing the families of political prisoners who engage in peaceful protests."The United States will not tolerate the abuses of the communist Cuban regime," Trump stated in the order, vowing that the administration will take action to hold the regime accountable while backing the Cuban people's desire for a free and democratic society.The order tasks the Commerce Department with identifying whether foreign nations are providing oil to Cuba, either directly or via intermediaries. The State Department, in coordination with Treasury, Commerce, and the U.S. Trade Representative, will determine if new tariffs are warranted and at what level.The Secretary of State is responsible for overseeing the national emergency and reporting to Congress, while the Commerce Department will maintain its monitoring of nations supplying oil to Cuba.In a statement, the White House explained that the order aims to shield U.S. national security and foreign policy from the Cuban regime's "malicious actions and policies," characterizing the measure as part of Trump's wider strategy to confront governments that endanger American interests.The administration noted that this action extends Trump's first-term Cuba policy, which rolled back Obama-era diplomatic engagement and restored stricter measures against the communist government.The executive order will become effective on Friday.The White House did not promptly reply to Digital's request for further comment.
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After 21 Years, Apple TV Is Finally Bringing the Modern Tolkien to TV and Film
Michael Whelan/Tor BooksHigh fantasy has never fallen out of fashion. But it’s fair to say that very few fantasy book series manage to cross into the mainstream and truly capture what fans of are really looking for. Beyond the romantasy surge of the last few years, there’s a fairly short list of ultra-popular fantasy authors with massive followings over the past 20 years. Essentially, after Robert Jordan, the next big name is perhaps the most productive epic fantasist of our era: Brandon Sanderson.Sanderson is maybe most famous for taking over The Wheel of Time, and he burst onto the scene 21 years ago with. Now, over two decades later, his intricate fantasy works – like the Mistborn series and The Stormlight Archive – are finally being turned into movies and TV shows.According to , the Mistborn books will be made into a film series, and The Stormlight Archive will become a TV show. Apple is producing both the movies and the TV series as part of an “unprecedented deal” that will adapt the different books forming the shared Cosmere universe.Brandon Sanderson in 2011. | SFX/Future/Getty ImagesWondering what the Cosmere is? It’s that includes multiple worlds featured in many of Sanderson’s books. (Just to clarify: when Sanderson took over The Wheel of Time from Robert Jordan, he didn’t link that series to the Cosmere.)Sanderson explains: “All my Cosmere books share one creation story, one cosmology, that provides a foundational magic system for all these interconnected worlds.”Similar to many classic fantasy series, the Cosmere books revolve around ancient magic scattered across multiple worlds. This primeval magic comes from a being called “Adonalsium,” whose powers were divided into at least 16 different shards, each taken by individuals to various locations.LotR fans can probably guess the direction: Many of the books explore how those varied and distinct types of magic show up in different settings. As Sanderson writes on his website: “The unifying theorem of the Cosmere isn’t simple—I can’t sum it up in one line—but you can trace how all the magic connects in the Cosmere using this overarching framework.”To put it simply, the Cosmere – which includes Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive (plus other books) – is already one of the most beloved fantasy epics of our age. The big question is: Will it now hit the mainstream like Game of Thrones did in 2011 with HBO’s adaptation?With the end of on Prime and the divided reactions to , HBO Max’s various GoT spinoffs currently dominate high fantasy. Apple TV has a stellar history with top-notch sci-fi shows, including large-scale productions like Foundation and . So if you were betting on whether the Cosmere projects will work out, the odds are definitely in favor of a big success.Brandon Sanderson’s next Cosmere book is The Fires of December, set to release at some point this year.
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Hamas is emerging as the “ultimate spoiler” in the Gaza plan as Trump insists the terror group will disarm
President [Name] and his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, stated on Thursday that they believe Hamas will disarm under a U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire plan as it enters its second phase.However, as regional analysts cautioned that the terror group has no intention of disarming and could ultimately block Trump’s Gaza plan, Hamas officials also disputed Trump’s claim.During his 10th Cabinet meeting of his second term, Trump expressed confidence that the Palestinian Islamist militant group would lay down their arms."And now we aim to have Hamas, no guns, correct? To disarm," Trump said, then adding, "Many have said they’ll never disarm. It seems they’re going to disarm."Witkoff echoed Trump’s view and told the president the process was already in motion."We’ve removed the terrorists from there, and they will demilitarize. They have to, as they have no choice," Witkoff said. "They’ll surrender it. They’ll give up the AK-47s."Regional analysts warned that the terror group has no intention of disarming and might even entirely obstruct Trump’s Gaza plan.National security analyst Kobi Michael said Hamas "has no intention of disarming itself and never has.""Hamas will engage in maneuvers and manipulations to maintain its power and influence in the Gaza Strip," [Name], a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies and the Misgav Institute, told [Outlet] Digital.He added that "they don’t truly communicate with one another and don’t really understand each other," indicating rifts between the two sides."The Israel Defense Forces are the sole entity capable of disarming Hamas," Michael said, noting that "no nation other than Turkey is willing to deploy its troops to [Location] to combat Hamas," referring to the planned U.N.-authorized force tasked with overseeing security and demilitarization in Gaza.Senior Hamas officials directly contradicted the White House’s account on Thursday, as per [Outlet].Hamas leader Mousa Abu Marzouk stated that the group "never agreed to disarm; no one has directly brought it up with us," emphasizing that Hamas remains firmly in control of Gaza.The outlet also reported that Abu Marzouk suggested Hamas holds a de facto veto over appointments to a newly established [Body] in the Strip.The committee, unveiled as part of [the] Gaza peace plan, is meant to oversee Gaza’s civilian affairs and manage reconstruction once the ceasefire stabilizes.Witkoff said, "We are now in the second phase… we have established, for the first time, Mr. President, on your behalf, a technocratic, all-Arab government."The body is projected to deliver basic services to Gaza’s over 2 million residents, even as the United Nations estimates reconstruction costs will surpass $50 billion.But Michael cautioned that the new structure is susceptible to Hamas manipulation, with the group likely to take advantage of any new arrangement."They will utilize the existing bureaucracy, which will be run by the technocrats, to control and influence how this government will function in practice — the Hezbollah model," he said.He added that Hamas has already "requested more time, Israeli troop withdrawals, and immediate reconstruction while discreetly maintaining its military capabilities.""Trump may come to the conclusion that only the Israel Defense Forces can disarm Hamas," Michael said. "At that point, it will become evident that Hamas is the ultimate spoiler and a significant obstacle to Trump’s Gaza plan."[Outlet] Digital has contacted the White House for comment.
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by: nicole
80-Year-Old Lottery Winner Sentenced for Backing $400M Drug Empire from Cottage Alongside Son
Authorities disclosed on Wednesday that an elderly man who employed his... to operate a drug empire from his cottage along with his son and two accomplices has been sentenced to jail.Greater Manchester Police reported that 80-year-old John Eric Spiby was handed a 16-year prison term in England after an investigation uncovered counterfeit pills valued at up to $400 million. His 37-year-old son, John Colin Spiby, was sentenced to nine years.Alex Brown, detective inspector of the Serious Organized Crime Group that led the investigation, stated in a release: "They ran a fully industrialized operation capable of manufacturing millions of counterfeit tablets containing a highly dangerous substance.""The quantity of tablets we recovered, along with the advanced machinery, showed how deeply entrenched this group was in the illegal drug supply chain," he added.UK local outlet LBC reported that Spiby won the National Lottery in 2010, when he was around 65, cashing out £2.4 million, which is equivalent to roughly $3.3 million in 2026.During the sentencing, Judge Nicholas Clarke KC told LBC, "Despite your lottery win, you carried on with your criminal life beyond what would be a normal retirement age."Police said that between November 2021 and May 2022, Spiby outfitted the cottage behind his home with an "industrial-scale tablet manufacturing setup capable of producing tens of thousands of tablets per hour." LBC reported that, according to a court hearing, they also managed to "conceal" his lab by frosting the windows.The organization is alleged to have produced counterfeit diazepam tablets, also known as Valium, laced with etizolam, a substance prohibited in the U.S. usually prescribed for insomnia and anxiety. In high doses, etizolam can cause severe central nervous system depression, potentially leading to unconsciousness, respiratory failure, and death.Police said the group also facilitated and supplied firearms including AK-47s, an Uzi, Tec-9s, a Scorpion, a Grand Power pistol, silencers, and ammunition.In August 2020, at the early stage of the operation, the group reportedly operated "under the pretense of a legitimate business" by creating a fake company and a website advertising tablet presses, mixers, packaging machines, and powdered supplements.During the operation, the suspects rented a shipping container to store materials and millions of counterfeit tablets awaiting distribution. However, officers intercepted them in April 2022 and found a vehicle with 2.6 million counterfeit diazepam tablets estimated to have a street value between $1.4 million and $7 million.The following month, a warrant led to the seizure of guns, ammunition, cash, machinery, counterfeit drugs, and raw materials.Police estimated that the crime ring produced drugs with a potential street value of roughly $80 million to $400 million.Among the other two accomplices, 35-year-old Callum Dorian was given a 12-year prison term in September 2024, while 45-year-old Lee Ryan Drury was sentenced to nine years.The four members faced charges including conspiracy to produce and supply Class C drugs, conspiracy to supply firearms, and perverting the course of justice.Brown said, "These four individuals showed no concern for human life or public safety. All they were interested in was financial gain."Digital reached out to Greater Manchester Police for more information.
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by: eqs
Chinese RISC-V Chipmaker SpacemiT Launches K3 AI CPU, Highlighting the Rise of Open-Source Hardware in Intelligent Computing
EQS via SeaPRwire.com / 30/01/2026 / 09:57 UTC+8 Hangzhou,China,January 29,2026--As the global technology industry accelerates its shift toward open architectures and on-device artificial intelligence, Chinese RISC-V chip company SpacemiT announced the launch of its new K3 AI CPU on January 29. The company aims to combine the open RISC-V instruction set with general-purpose and AI computing capabilities, offering a more flexible, power-efficient and cost-effective platform for intelligent terminals and edge computing. For decades, the processor market has been dominated by x86 and Arm architectures. However, as AI workloads gradually move from the cloud to end devices, there is growing interest in more open and customizable computing platforms. RISC-V, as a fully open-source instruction set architecture, is increasingly seen as a key foundation for the next generation of open computing ecosystems. Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Hangzhou, SpacemiT is one of the few Chinese semiconductor companies committed to a “pure RISC-V” strategy. The company focuses on integrating high-performance general computing and AI acceleration into a single chip, which it describes as an “AI CPU” approach. This design philosophy targets intelligent hardware scenarios that require high computing density, low power consumption and strong system integration. The K3 chip is the result of more than 1,200 days of development. According to the company, it is among the first mass-production-ready RISC-V AI CPUs compliant with the RVA23 specification. It also supports 1024-bit RISC-V Vector extensions (RVV) and native FP8 precision for AI inference. In terms of hardware configuration, K3 integrates eight high-performance X100 RISC-V CPU cores with a maximum frequency of 2.4GHz. SpacemiT said its single-core performance is broadly comparable to Arm’s Cortex-A76. The chip delivers up to 60 TOPS of AI compute and supports up to 32GB of LPDDR5 memory. SpacemiT noted that K3 is not designed to compete directly with high-end server CPUs or GPUs, but instead to enable local execution of medium-scale AI models and multimodal applications. The company said K3 can support models in the 30- to 80-billion-parameter range on a single chip, with typical system power consumption between 15 and 25 watts. On the software side, K3 adopts a co-design approach between hardware and software. It supports mainstream AI frameworks and compilers such as Triton and TileLang, and is compatible with major open-source AI ecosystems and Linux distributions. The company said this is intended to reduce the development barriers for deploying AI models on RISC-V platforms, bringing the experience closer to that of x86 and Arm systems. “We believe the long-term direction of computing architectures is a transition from closed to open systems,” said Chen Zhijian, founder and CEO of SpacemiT, at the launch event. “x86 is highly closed, Arm is semi-open, while RISC-V is fully open. In the long run, open instruction sets are more likely to become the foundation of global computing.” Chen added that RISC-V carries particular significance for China’s semiconductor industry. “In the past, Chinese computing chips were largely limited to domestic markets. Open architectures create a new path for Chinese chips to integrate more naturally into the global technology ecosystem.” K3 emphasizes a fusion of general computing, AI computing and data-coherent interconnects. Chen described this direction as the evolution toward a “next-generation AI CPU,” where traditional CPUs become increasingly intelligent. “In the AI era, CPUs can no longer be just control processors,” he said. “They must also provide native AI computing capabilities. This is similar to the shift from feature phones to smartphones — a fundamental change in the form of computing.” SpacemiT also disclosed that its previous-generation K1 chip has achieved shipments of more than 150,000 units and has been deployed in industrial control systems, robotics, edge computing platforms and open-source intelligent hardware. This commercial experience provides a foundation for the rollout of K3. The company said K3 has already received orders, with initial deliveries planned from the end of April 2026. The company continues to promote a “full-stack RISC-V” strategy, covering CPU IP, chip design, operating systems, compilers, AI software stacks and developer platforms. K3 supports multiple operating systems including Ubuntu, OpenHarmony and OpenKylin. SpacemiT is also launching supporting products such as PICO-ITX single-board computers, robot core boards and array server platforms, while opening its hardware reference designs to developers and system integrators. Hangzhou has recently emerged as a major hub for AI, semiconductor and open-source technology innovation in China. Industry observers note that a new generation of Chinese technology companies is taking shape in the region, strengthening China’s presence in advanced “hard-tech” sectors. SpacemiT is regarded as one of the representative players in this ecosystem. At the same time, the industry generally acknowledges that RISC-V still lags behind x86 and Arm in high-end computing, software ecosystem maturity and overall industrial scale. SpacemiT also recognizes that its current products are better suited to intelligent terminals and edge AI rather than competing directly with top-tier server processors or GPUs. “Our goal is not to confront global giants head-on,” Chen said. “Instead, we aim to establish differentiated advantages in the mid-range computing segment, using lower power consumption, higher integration and better cost efficiency to make AI computing accessible to more devices.” As artificial intelligence continues to move from centralized cloud platforms toward local deployment, power efficiency, system integration and open ecosystems are becoming key competitive factors. The launch of K3 represents a concrete step by China’s RISC-V community in combining open-source architectures with AI computing, and reflects China’s broader effort to explore new technological paths in the next generation of global computing. 30/01/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com
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by: nicole
Rubio Revokes U.S. Travel Privileges for Iranian Officials Over Deadly Protest Crackdown Killing Thousands
Secretary of State has recently stripped Iranian senior officials and their family members of their U.S. travel privileges, pointing to the regime's continuing oppression.The regime of Iran's Supreme Leader has been accused of killing over 6,200 protesters since December 28, along with nearly 17,100 arrests, while internet access remains cut off, per the Human Rights Activists News Agency ()."As the people of Iran keep fighting for their fundamental rights, [Rubio] acted this week to revoke the right of Iranian senior officials and their families to be in the United States," the State Department stated in an . "Individuals who gain from the Iranian regime's harsh oppression are not permitted to take advantage of our immigration system."Beyond potential civil rights abuses in Iran, tensions have escalated between Khamenei and President as the U.S. works to reach a nuclear agreement.Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi cautioned on Wednesday that the country's military is "ready — with their — to respond swiftly and forcefully to ANY aggression against our cherished land, air, or sea."Araghchi asserted that Iran has "always embraced" a mutually beneficial, fair, and equitable nuclear deal that would safeguard Iran's right to peaceful nuclear technology and ensure no nuclear weapons are developed.Trump responded on Truth Social, cautioning that a "massive" naval fleet was moving toward Iran "quickly and with force if needed.""Time is pressing, it’s truly critical!" Trump posted. "As I told Iran before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn’t, and ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’ resulted in major damage to Iran. The next strike will be much worse! Don’t let that happen again."The president noted Thursday evening that it would be "excellent" if the U.S. didn’t have to deploy the military fleet.The State Department on Wednesday also the death penalty handed down to 19-year-old Saleh Mohammadi, a decorated Iranian wrestler who was arrested while peacefully protesting the regime earlier this month. Digital's Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report.
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by: jenn
Hulu’s Most Twisty Sci-Fi Show Reveals More of Its Post-Apocalyptic World
HuluParadise stands as the top sci-fi series you’ve yet to discover. This Hulu show, created by This is Us’s Dan Fogelman and starring that drama’s Sterling K. Brown, wasn’t marketed as a genre program. Even the first episode felt more like a typical political conspiracy thriller... until its closing moments, when Secret Service Agent Xavier Collins (Brown) is revealed to be living in a shelter protecting a fortunate few thousand people from the apocalyptic wasteland above ground. Season 1 gradually transitioned from a murder mystery to a sci-fi adventure, bringing to mind other post-apocalyptic shows like , , and . The final episodes indicated the world-ending catastrophe might not have been as catastrophic as initially thought, so Season 2 will explore the surface. Watch the trailer below.This trailer picks up right where Season 1 left off, with Xavier leaving the bunker to search for his wife in Atlanta. However, it seems he won’t reach his destination, as his plane crashes. He survives the fiery wreck and is rescued by a mysterious survivor played by Shailene Woodley, and the two set off on an adventure together.Other survivors, such as Sinatra (Julianne Nicholson) and Dr. Torabi (Sarah Shahi), remain in the bunker, working to cope with the Season 1 events that threatened to expose the truth to the public. While this season won’t entirely leave the bunker behind, viewers should prepare for major changes and answers about what life is truly like on the surface. Shailene Woodley portrays a new survivor character in Paradise Season 2. | HuluIn Season 1, we learned that President Cal Bradford (James Marsden) chose not to deploy America’s nuclear arsenal during a crisis, instead authorizing a global EMP network that fried nearly every electrical circuit in the world, pushing society back by centuries. Yet clearly, the world has found a way to survive, and we’re just weeks away from learning how.Paradise Season 2 premieres February 23, 2026, on Hulu.