Welsh bookmaker questions what’s next following greyhound prohibition

(AsiaGameHub) -   James Lovell, co-founder and Director of Welsh bookmaker DragonBet, has strongly criticised the government's recent decision to outlaw greyhound racing. Lovell described the move as "a huge shame," asserting that it was not supported by concrete evidence but rather driven by a political agenda that overlooks an entire sport which has significantly prioritized animal welfare. “For many people, this sport is a way of life, built around people who care deeply for their dogs and have dedicated their lives to them,” Lovell stated. He also accused the government of inconsistency, arguing that the criticisms leveled against greyhound racing could equally apply to horse racing, a sport currently thriving in Wales. Currently, Wales has three active horse racing venues: Bangor-on-Dee, Chepstow, and Ffos Las. In contrast, there is only one operational greyhound track, the Valley Greyhound Stadium in Ystrad Mynach, Hengoed. “At a time when horse racing in Wales is achieving real success and giving people something to be proud of, it is fair to ask where this ends. Today it is greyhound racing – tomorrow, what sport involving animals is next?,” DragonBet’s Director concluded. As a reminder, Wales’ Senedd voted in favor of a proposal to ban greyhound racing, citing animal welfare concerns. The prohibition is set to take effect on April 1, 2027, with a three-year transition period until April 1, 2030, for all stakeholders to adapt to the changes. The decision, like that affecting DragonBet, has faced considerable opposition, notably from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) and its Chief Executive Officer, Mark Bird. Echoing Lovell's sentiments, Bird expressed his disappointment with the government's decision, adding: “The only thing this Bill will do is destroy people’s jobs, family-run businesses and community touchpoints not to mention cause significant loss to the Welsh economy.” Currently, Wales and Scotland are the only two countries in the UK to have officially banned greyhound racing, with both bans being voted on the same day. Greyhound racing has not been conducted in Scotland since its last regulated track in Fife closed in 2019. The GBGB has, predictably, voiced strong opposition to both bans. Commenting on the Scottish ban last week, Bird criticized the bill as ‘unevidenced, illogical and will help no-one in Scotland – least of all greyhounds’. Globally, the sport can still be legally organized in the US, Australia, Ireland, England, and Northern Ireland. New Zealand is also set to ban it in 2025. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

Japanese Prosecutors Decline to Indict Baseball Star Hideto Asamura in Illegal Gambling Probe

(AsiaGameHub) -   Prosecutors in Japan have announced they will not bring charges against Rakuten Eagles professional baseball player Hideto Asamura and two unidentified team staff members for using online casino platforms. Online casinos are prohibited in Japan, and accessing overseas sites from within the country constitutes a crime. On March 4, police referred 35-year-old infielder Asamura and the team officials to public prosecutors, as reported by Japanese media outlet Sponichi Annex. The three were alleged to have violated gambling laws by “using their smartphones to bet on overseas online casino websites.” However, on March 18, the Sendai District Public Prosecutor’s Office released a statement indicating it would not indict any of the trio. The office noted it had “considered various circumstances” but provided no further details on the matter. The Eagles—officially the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles—are based in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. The Rakuten Eagles infielder Hideto Asamura in action in 2019. (Image: Jeffrey Hayes [CC BY 2.0]) Hideto Asamura: No Charges for Baseball Star The recent allegations were a poorly timed setback for the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization (NPB), whose new season kicks off Friday, March 27. Last season’s NPB campaign was overshadowed by a series of gambling-related scandals amid a police crackdown on online casino wagering. At least a dozen players and staff from several top NPB teams faced warnings and fines from police and lower courts. The NPB had hoped to move past the issue ahead of the 2026 season. Earlier this year, it held special gambling awareness sessions for rookie players and training for new umpires. Many players accused in such cases have claimed they were unaware that betting on online casino platforms was illegal in Japan. Teams say they now run their own online casino-focused educational sessions to ensure all staff and players understand the criminal nature of online gambling. Team Issues Apology A Rakuten Eagles representative apologized for the incident, stating, “We are deeply sorry for causing [the public] so much worry and inconvenience.” The official said the franchise would “strongly remind those involved of their responsibilities as members of the baseball community.” “As a team, we will strive to further improve our compliance awareness,” the spokesperson added. “We will continue to fully implement measures to prevent a recurrence.” Japanese baseball is not the only league grappling with gambling-related controversies ahead of the upcoming season. In neighboring South Korea, fans criticized three Lotte Giants players after they were found gambling at a betting den in Taiwan during a preseason training camp. Authorities have handed down lengthy suspensions to all three, meaning they will miss most of the 2026 season. The Korea Baseball Organization season begins March 28. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

Wellgistics Health Inc. Signs $105,000,000 Letter of Intent to Evaluate Potential Acquisition of Neuritek Therapeutics, Inc. which is Pioneering Innovative Therapies for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders

TAMPA, FLA., Mar 23, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Wellgistics Health, Inc. ("Wellgistics" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:WGRX) today announced that it has entered into a non-exclusive, non-binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") to evaluate a potential acquisition of Neuritek Therapeutics, a neuroscience-focused research organization.The proposed all stock transaction, if completed, is intended to enhance Wellgistics' existing revenue-generating healthcare platform by expanding capabilities adjacent to its core technology-enabled pharmacy distribution and services business. Through its integrated ecosystem spanning prescription fulfillment, wholesale distribution, and AI-driven patient access solutions, Wellgistics connects manufacturers, providers, and a nationwide network of independent pharmacies. The Company believes that adding a research-focused organization could strengthen alignment between drug development and commercialization, enabling earlier engagement with pharmaceutical partners, improving pipeline visibility, and supporting incremental revenue opportunities while enhancing long-term shareholder value through a more integrated and differentiated platform.The transaction remains subject to the completion of due diligence, negotiation and execution of definitive agreements, approval by the boards of directors of the respective parties, and other customary closing conditions. There can be no assurance that a definitive agreement will be entered into or that the proposed transaction will be consummated on the terms currently contemplated, or at all. The LOI is non-binding and does not obligate either party to complete the proposed transaction. The scope, structure, and terms of any potential transaction remain under evaluation and may change materially as a result of ongoing diligence and negotiations.The Company is also actively evaluating additional strategic opportunities across the healthcare and life science sectors as part of its broader growth strategy. These opportunities may include acquisitions, partnerships, or other strategic transactions. There can be no assurance that any such initiatives will result in completed transactions.About Wellgistics Health, IncWellgistics Health is a rapidly scaling, technology-driven healthcare platform positioned at the center of pharmaceutical distribution and patient access. The Company has built an integrated, high-performance ecosystem spanning wholesale distribution, prescription fulfillment, and AI-powered access solutions, directly connecting pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare providers, and a nationwide network of independent pharmacies.By combining infrastructure, data, and intelligent automation, Wellgistics is executing on a capital-efficient model designed to capture significant share in large and fragmented healthcare markets. The Company is focused on expanding high-margin revenue streams, deepening strategic manufacturer relationships, and driving operating leverage across its platform. With a differentiated end-to-end offering and disciplined execution, Wellgistics is positioned to accelerate growth, enhance earnings visibility, and deliver outsized long-term value for shareholders.About Neuritek Therapeutics Inc.Neuritek Therapeutics Inc. has developed a next-generation bio-mechanism based treatment, treating the root cause of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Neuritek's first to market treatment is an orally active inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase type 1 (FAAH1), the enzyme responsible for metabolizing anandamide (AEA) and the first mechanisms-based treatment for PTSD. The company was founded by Doctor William Hapworth MD., a pioneer in clinical research and a practicing psychiatrist with over 30 years' experience.Learn more at www.neuritek.com or join the conversation at LinkedIn, neuritek-therapeutics-incForward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding: the potential acquisition of Neuritek Therapeutics, Inc. ("Neuritek"), including the anticipated structure, valuation, timing, and likelihood of completion of any transaction; the preliminary and non-binding nature of the letter of intent; the potential strategic, operational, and financial benefits of any such transaction; the Company's ability to negotiate and enter into definitive agreements; the Company's ability to obtain any required financing; the integration of any acquired business; and the Company's broader growth strategy and future performance.Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "may," "could," "would," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "plan," "project," "estimate," "potential," "opportunity," "target," "forecast," "continue," "will," and similar expressions.These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, assumptions, and estimates and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: the risk that the parties do not enter into definitive agreements; the risk that the letter of intent is terminated or does not result in a completed transaction; uncertainties related to the preliminary nature of the proposed valuation and transaction terms, which may change materially; the risk that any required financing is not obtained on acceptable terms or at all; the risk that anticipated benefits of any transaction are not realized; risks associated with integrating a research-focused organization into the Company's existing business; risks related to the development, testing, regulatory approval, and commercialization of pharmaceutical or therapeutic products, including the possibility of unfavorable clinical results or delays; regulatory and compliance risks; and other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.Wellgistics Media & Investor ContactMedia: media@wellgisticshealth.comInvestor Relations: IR@wellgisticshealth.comSOURCE: Wellgistics Health, Inc. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Essex Bio-Technology Reports Robust Results for FY2025, Turnover Soars 8.6% to HK$1814 million, Net Profit up 3.5% to HK$ 318.1 million, Total Dividend Increases by 16.7% to HK14 Cents per Share

Key Results Highlights:- Revenue Growth: 8.6% increase to approximately HK$1,813.8 million- Net Profit Increase: 3.5% rise to HK$318.1 million, driven by operational efficiency- Final Dividend: Proposed final dividend of HK7.0 cents per share, bringing total dividend for 2025 to HK14.0 cents per share, a 16.7% surge from HK12.0 cents in 2024- Net Cash & Cash Equivalents: HK$782.7 million (HK$557.2 million as at 31st December 2024)Regulatory Milestones:- NMPA Approval: Multi-dose Diquafosol Sodium Eye Drops approved in July 2025; multi-dose Sodium Hyaluronate Eye Drops approved in January 2026 for registration and commercialisation in the PRC- BLA Acceptance: Bevacizumab ophthalmic injection BLA accepted by NMPA in August 2025, marking a crucial regulatory milestoneBusiness Developments:- Exclusive Distribution (Seefunge): Exclusive distribution of Seefunge's Emedastine Difumarate and Oxybuprocaine Hydrochloride Eye Drops in the PRC- Exclusive Distribution (Osteopore): Exclusive distribution of Osteopore’s innovative dental, orthodontic and maxillofacial products in the PRC, Hong Kong and Macau.- Collaboration with Airdoc: Joint operation of Artificial Intelligence-based retinal businesses in the PRC- Strategic Collaboration with Kenvue: Promotion and marketing of Kenvue's consumer health products (Rhinocort(R), Motrin(R), Tylenol(R)) in the PRC.- International Innovation Accelerator: Signed MOU with Suzhou Industrial Park to launch cross-border life sciences accelerator.- First Overseas Market Entry: Beifushu(R) introduced to Singapore via Special Access Route at Singapore National Eye Centre.Intellectual Property and Market Presence:- Robust IP Portfolio: 121 patent certificates or authorisation letters, comprising 91 invention patents, 15 utility model patents and 15 design patents.- Extensive Distribution Network: Products available in over 14,600 hospitals and medical providers, and approximately 2,600 pharmaceutical stores across the PRCAwards and Recognition:- 2025 Top 500 Manufacturing Companies in Guangdong Province: Recognises industrial scale and comprehensive competitiveness- National Manufacturing Champion Enterprise: Affirms leading position in specialized biopharmaceutical segment- 2025 "Golden Kunpeng" China Financial Value Ranking – Most Valuable Listed Company for Investment: Highlights capital market recognition of growth potential- Participation at Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress 2026: Showcasing key ophthalmology products and pipeline assets, strengthening engagement with regional eye care professionals and institutions.HONG KONG, Mar 23, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Essex Bio-Technology Limited (“Essex” and its subsidiary the “Group”, Stock Code: 1061.HK), a leading biologic Group that develops, manufactures and commercialises genetically engineered therapeutic recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (“rb-bFGF”), today announced robust annual results for the year ended 31st December 2025, with revenue up 8.6% to HK$ 1,813.8 million and net profit up 3.5% YoY to HK$318.1 million. The Group achieved multiple regulatory milestones and expanded its product portfolio through strategic collaborations, and Beifushu’s landmark entry into Singapore. These achievements underscore Essex's commitment to innovation and operational excellence, driving sustained revenue and profit growth.Diversified Growth Fueled by Flagship BiologicsThe Group achieved a consolidated turnover of approximately HK$1,813.8 million, with an increase of 8.6% as compared to approximately HK$1,669.8 million in 2024. Correspondingly, the Group’s profit increased by 3.5% to approximately HK$318.1 million as compared to approximately HK$307.2 million in 2024.The Beifushu(R) series and Beifuji(R) series, the Group’s flagship products drove growth, contributing 83.5% of turnover.The ophthalmology segment (“Ophthalmology”) recorded a turnover of HK$835.0 million, grew 8.2% year-on-year, led by Beifushu(R) unit-dose eye drops and supported by its preservative free design and expanding application scenarios, which cover multiple areas such as dry eye treatment and post-operative recovery, and contributions from Beifushu(R) eye gel, (Iodized Lecithin Capsules) and a range of unit-dose eye drops (Tobramycin, Levofloxacin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Moxifloxacin Hydrochloride and Diquafosol Sodium Eye Drops).The surgical segment (“Surgical”) turnover rose 1.8% year-on-year to HK$895.9 million, leveraging Beifuji’s broad clinical applications across multiple medical departments and strong market presence. It is also supported by numerous clinical guidelines and expert consensus, thereby laying a solid foundation for future indication expansion and sustained growth. In addition, Group Carisolv(R) dental caries removal gel, PELNACTM collagen-based artificial dermis and SCALGENTM double-layered artificial dermis had further strengthened and contributed to the Surgical business.Notably, Healthcare and Partner Services delivered a total turnover of approximately HK$82.9 million for the year ended 31st December 2025, representing a significant increase of 350% as compared to 2024. The growth was primarily driven by Dr. YaDian oral care products, online and offline healthcare services and CMO/CDMO services.Strengthening Financial Position and Shareholder ReturnsThe Group maintains a healthy financial position, with cash and cash equivalents of approximately HK$782.7 million as of 31st December 2025. Bank borrowings stand at HK$325.6 million, with a manageable repayment schedule over 5 years period. The Group’s gearing ratio is at 30.9% (2024: 28.8%), indicating disciplined financial management and ample liquidity.The Board is pleased to propose a final dividend of HK7.0 cents per ordinary share. Together with the interim dividend of HK7.0 cents per ordinary share, the total dividend for 2025 reaches HK14.0 cents, representing a notable year-on-year increase of 16.7% from HK12.0 cents in 2024, demonstrating the Group’s ongoing commitment to delivering greater returns to its shareholders.Broad Portfolio and Robust Pipeline Fuel Sustained GrowthThe Group’s business comprises three core segments: Ophthalmology, Surgical (wound care and healing) and Healthcare and Partner Services segment, with the Group’s six (6) flagship commercialised biologics, collectively referred to as the “bFGF Series”, which are marketed and sold in the PRC. Three of the bFGF Series were approved by NMPA as Category I drugs, and five are listed on the National Drug List for Basic Medical Insurance, Work-Related Injury Insurance and Maternity Insurance in the PRC.In addition, the Group offers a portfolio of commercialised preservative-free unit-dose eye drops, including Tobramycin, Levofloxacin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Moxifloxacin Hydrochloride and Diquafosol Sodium Eye Drops. The Group further expanded its ophthalmology franchise by obtaining NMPA approvals for the registration and commercialisation of multi-dose Diquafosol Sodium Eye Drops in July 2025 and multi-dose Sodium Hyaluronate Eye Drops in January 2026. The new launches target the PRC’s growing dry eye treatment market, complementing the Group’s Beifushu(R) ophthalmic repair series.As for the Surgical segment, the Group’s Carisolv(R) dental caries removal gel, Portable Ultraviolet Phototherapy Devices, PELNACTM collagen-based artificial dermis, SCALGENTM double-layered artificial dermis and Osteopore’s bioresorbable implants (Osteomesh(R) and Osteoplug(R)), are complementing the Group’s Beifuji(R) wound healing series.Strategic R&D Investment to Capture Emerging Market OpportunitiesThe Group is committed to pragmatically investing in new products and technologies to strengthen its product and R&D pipeline, with a mission to develop groundbreaking therapeutics that address unmet clinical and commercial needs. In 2025, total R&D expenditures were approximately HK$177.2 million, representing 9.8% of the turnover, of which approximately HK$139.3 million were capitalised.During the year, the Group’s Medical Scar Repair Gel obtained NMPA registration approval as a Class II medical device, expanding the Group’s footprint in the fast-growing high-end wound care and medical aesthetics markets, unlocking new growth drivers for long-term success.The global phase 3 clinical project of bevacizumab ophthalmic injection (EB12-20145P) has successfully completed patient enrolment across the PRC, Australia, European Union countries and the United States, with the last patient last visit was completed. A Biologics License Application (BLA) was accepted by NMPA in the PRC in August 2025.To amplify the Group’s presence in the Asia ophthalmic community and accelerate the market launch of new products, the Group participated in the 2026 Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress. The event provided a premium platform to showcase ophthalmic solutions, engage with regional clinical experts and partners, and build momentum for the rollout of its innovative ophthalmic products, reinforcing its global brand influence.The Group holds a total of 121 patent certificates or authorisation letters, comprising 91 invention patents, 15 utility model patents and 15 design patents.The Group currently has multiple R&D sites located in Zhuhai (PRC), Boston (United States), London (United Kingdom) and Singapore. These sites support the Group’s efforts to develop new therapeutics and recruit global talent.To date, the Group has 18 R&D programmes ranging from pre-clinical to clinical stages, with several ophthalmology programs currently in the clinical stage, specifically Bevacizumab intravitreal injection, SkQ1 eye drops and Cyclosporine eye dropsBroadening Commercial Reach Through Market Expansion and PartnershipsAs of 31st December 2025, the Group maintains an extensive network of 47 regional sales offices in the PRC and a strategic base in Singapore to facilitate market access into Southeast Asian countries. With a vast distribution network, the Group’s products are prescribed in more than 14,600 hospitals and medical providers, coupled with approximately 2,600 pharmaceutical stores, covering major cities throughout the PRC.During the year under review, the Group achieved multiple landmark breakthroughs in the PRC and overseas market expansion, unlocking new multi-dimensional growth momentum. In the overseas market, the Group’s flagship product Beifushu(R) was successfully introduced to Singapore via the Special Access Route at the Singapore National Eye Centre, marking the product’s first commercial launch beyond the PRC, and establishing a solid foothold to support the Group’s future expansion into Southeast Asia and global markets.In the PRC market, the Group entered into two landmark strategic partnerships during the year: a collaboration with global consumer health leader Kenvue, under which the Group will leverage its extensive nationwide commercial network in the PRC to carry out promotion, medical education and marketing for Kenvue’s selected consumer health products including Rhinocort(R) (Budesonide Nasal Spray), Motrin(R) (Ibuprofen Suspension/Drops), and Tylenol(R) (Paracetamol Drops/Suspension); and an exclusive distribution agreement for Osteopore’s innovative dental, orthodontic and maxillofacial products in the PRC, Hong Kong and Macau, marking a strategic entry into the high-potential stomatology market. The partnerships broaden the Group’s healthcare business footprint, delivering strong synergies with its existing ophthalmology and regenerative medicine lines.To drive sustainable growth and expansion for its current and future products, the Group has been investing relentlessly in enhancing its competitiveness and broadening its reach by expanding the clinical indications for its commercialised products, increasing patient access in lower-tier cities across the PRC, developing complementary sales channels, and nurturing the healthtech e-platform to enhance patient access.The Group’s second factory at Zhuhai Hi-Tech Industrial Park, with a gross floor area of about 58,000 square meters for R&D, manufacturing, office and dormitory, is expected to complete in the period of 2026 -2027.Mr. Patrick Ngiam, Chairman of Essex, said “2025 was a standout year with Beifushu’s landmark entry into Singapore, driving robust growth through flagship products, innovation-focused R&D, and strategic partnerships. Essex remains committed to addressing unmet needs and driving long-term growth.We will proactively and systematically recalibrate operating and distribution costs to mitigate the negative impact on FY26 profit from the increase of VAT from 3% to 13% without disrupting our focus on Group development plans.”About EssexBio (1061.HK)EssexBio is a bio-pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and commercialises genetically engineered therapeutic b-bFGF, with six commercialised biologics currently marketed in China. Additionally, the Company has a diverse portfolio of commercialised preservative-free unit-dose eye drops, Shilishun (Iodized Lecithin Capsules) and others, which are principally prescribed for wound healing and diseases in Ophthalmology and Dermatology. These products are marketed and sold through approximately 14,600 hospitals, supported by the Company’s 47 regional offices in China. Leveraging its in-house R&D platform in growth factor and antibody technology, EssexBio maintains a robust pipeline of projects in various clinical stages, covering a wide range of fields and indications. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

GMG Launches European Sales Team; G(R) Lubricant Patent Accepted for Europe

Brisbane, Australia--(ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com - March 23, 2026) - Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd (TSXV: GMG) (OTCQX: GMGMF) ("GMG" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has officially launched its European sales activity. During the week of March 9th, GMG held a kick off training workshop in London where it brought together its new team members from various locations in Europe and UK for technical product and sales training.The GMG European Sales team numbers more than 10 professional sales executives based in Europe and UK who focus on lead generation, inside sales and executive sales business development for GMG's G® Lubricant and THERMAL-XR® products.Figure 1: Members of the GMG European Sales TeamTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/289529_gmg_figure1.jpgSeparately, the Company is also pleased to announce that it has been informed that the G® Lubricant patent in Europe has been accepted to be granted for a period of 20 years.Craig Nicol, CEO & Managing Director of the Company, commented "Building a sales force in key areas of the world is one of GMG's key activities it is focused on right now and to get the European team set up and running so fast has been a great achievement."Jack Perkowski, Chairman and Non-Executive Director of the Company, commented: "I congratulate the Company on building the European Sales team and look forward to hearing of future success."About GMG:GMG is an Australian based clean-technology company which develops, makes and sells energy saving and energy storage solutions, enabled by graphene manufactured via in house production process. GMG uses its own proprietary production process to decompose natural gas (i.e. methane) into its natural elements, carbon (as graphene), hydrogen and some residual hydrocarbon gases. This process produces high quality, low cost, scalable, 'tuneable' and low/no contaminant graphene suitable for use in clean-technology and other applications.The Company's present focus is to de-risk and develop commercial scale-up capabilities, and secure market applications. In the energy savings segment, GMG has initially focused on graphene enhanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC-R") coating (or energy-saving coating) which is now being marketed into other applications including electronic heat sinks, industrial process plants and data centres. Another product GMG has developed is the graphene lubricant additive focused on saving liquid fuels initially for diesel engines.In the energy storage segment, GMG and the University of Queensland are working collaboratively with financial support from the Australian Government to progress R&D and commercialization of graphene aluminium-ion batteries ("G+AI Batteries"). GMG has also developed a graphene additive slurry that is aimed at improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries.GMG's 4 critical business objectives are:Produce Graphene and improve/scale cell production processesBuild Revenue from Energy Savings ProductsDevelop Next-Generation BatteryDevelop Supply Chain, Partners & Project Execution CapabilityFor further information please contact:Craig Nicol, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of the Company at craig.nicol@graphenemg.com, +61 415 445 223Leo Karabelas at Focus Communications Investor Relations, leo@fcir.ca, +1 647 689 6041Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends", "believes" "expects" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or will "potentially" or "likely" occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward‐looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, the size, term and success of GMG's European sales team and the eventual granting of and successful enforceability of the Company's G® Lubricant patent.Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions of management, including the European sales team will perform and the Company's G® Lubricant patent will be patented successfully. Additionally, forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of GMG to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation that the GMG European Sales team does not successfully drive sales for the Company and the Company's G® Lubricant patent is not patented and the risk factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated November 4, 2025 available for review on the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/289529 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Controversy over Brazil’s betting sector influences São Paulo gubernatorial contest

(AsiaGameHub) -   The Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT) administration in Brazil has appointed Dario Durigan as its new Finance Minister. He will oversee fiscal and tax policy for the continent's biggest economy under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This Friday, Brazil's official gazette revealed extensive changes to the Ministry of the Economy and Finance (MEF), prompted by Fernando Haddad's choice to campaign for Governor of São Paulo state. This concludes Haddad's twenty-year role as a prominent member of Lula's PT Party, where he served in several governments and was most recently the designer of its fiscal and taxation reform plans. Rumors had grown in recent months that Lula would support 'Paulista Haddad', a native of São Paulo, to run for governor of his home state—a crucial political arena for the PT's national ambitions. São Paulo is seen as an essential victory in this year's elections. The PT aims to defeat the sitting governor, Tarcísio Gomes de Freitas of the Republicanos party, a major right-wing ally of ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, who currently commands a solid majority in the state. Although Haddad begins the contest as a long shot, his run is anticipated to boost his national standing. Campaigning under the PT flag in São Paulo, he will present himself as Lula's selected candidate to spearhead the government's electoral efforts and strategy across Brazil's 26 states. Dramatic shifts Durigan, the former Executive Secretary of the MEF, assumes the position at a pivotal time for Brazil's economy. He is projected to uphold continuity on "fiscal discipline and tax reform" as the country enters its electoral period this year. In 2026, the PT party's economic policies will likely face challenges from external factors, such as global energy disruptions, ongoing inflation threats, and trade tariffs enacted by the Trump administration. Haddad resigned from the ministry after managing a substantial transition period for the Treasury, guaranteeing the government's fiscal policy matched PT priorities in the wake of the Bolsonaro government's economic measures. As Finance Minister, Haddad was instrumental in creating the Brazil Bets Law (No. 14,790/2023), which established the regulatory structure for online gambling starting 1 January 2025. However, both Haddad and Lula have grown more disapproving of the betting system within its inaugural year. They characterize online gambling as an exploitative sector that preys on Brazilian consumers and weakens broader economic goals. In late 2025, Haddad advocated for doubling the tax on licensed betting operators to 24%, a plan that was derailed by PT ministers in Congress due to opposition from coalition and bloc allies. This failure compelled a rewrite of key elements in the PT government's 2026 Budget, which Lula reluctantly approved. Criticism of the Bets framework has become part of a wider political and fiscal story leading up to Brazil's general election on 4 October. Lula has already started campaigning for a potential fourth presidential term, escalating his rhetoric about raising taxes on "banks, betting, and billionaires"—encapsulated in the PT's "tres-Bs" slogan. Thus, the change in leadership at the Finance Ministry points not just to steadiness in economic management, but also to a wider realignment of Brazil's political scene, as tax policy, regulatory course, and election tactics become more closely linked before a decisive national vote. Currently, Lula is escalating his criticism of the Bets system, continuing to urge Congress and the Senate to alter its framework—mainly via higher taxes, increased licensing fees, and tougher advertising limits. Legislators have already shown their intent, with the Senate consenting to increase betting taxes to 18% by 2028. Meanwhile, discussions have temporarily halted the implementation of the CIDE 'technical services tax', which proponents want to levy on the deposits of betting license holders. Concurrently, suggestions concerning gambling advertising are still pending, varying from complete prohibitions to more specific limitations. Despite 2026 being an election year, the Brazil Bets system is predicted to see more changes, as promised by Congress and the Senate. Yet, the extent and final form of these reforms are still undecided, casting doubt on the regime's long-term path. Who will battle Lula? The electoral landscape is still unclear regarding which right-wing candidate will face Lula. With ex-President Bolsonaro under house arrest and barred from running, Brazil's right wing has not yet united behind a sole opponent. Rio Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, Jair's son, has risen as a frontrunner after obtaining his father's backing to head the Liberal Party (PL) ticket—though doubts persist about his campaign abilities. Rifts exist across the conservative field, with other appeals endorsing Tarcísio de Freitas as a 'unified right-wing candidate' or the unexpected option of Michelle Bolsonaro. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

VALYGO Launches Integrated Platform Bridging Crypto, Fiat, and Global Payments

BASSETERRE, KN – 10/03/2026 – (SeaPRwire) – As digital assets, traditional banking services, and global payment networks continue to evolve independently, individuals and businesses that operate internationally often face a fragmented financial landscape. Addressing this challenge, the VALYGO platform has officially launched, introducing a unified financial environment designed to consolidate multiple financial functions into a single operational framework. Modern financial activity frequently requires users to rely on separate systems for cryptocurrency management, fiat transactions, payment processing, and cross-border transfers. This fragmentation can slow financial operations, create administrative complexity, and increase operational friction for professionals and companies conducting business across multiple jurisdictions. VALYGO enters this space with the goal of simplifying financial workflows by bringing these capabilities together within one structured platform. A Platform Designed Around Real Financial Workflows Rather than focusing on a single financial service, VALYGO has been designed around the way individuals and businesses interact with money in real-world scenarios. The platform enables users to operate within a connected account environment where several financial functions can coexist and interact. Through the platform, users are able to manage digital assets alongside supported fiat services, conduct card-based transactions both online and at physical merchants, and execute cross-border transfers without relying on multiple external systems. In addition, supported ATM access provides another method for interacting with funds. By integrating these services into one platform environment, VALYGO aims to reduce the need for users to shift between different tools and platforms, helping create greater continuity in everyday financial activity. Supporting Cross-Border Financial Participants The platform has been developed with internationally active users in mind. Freelancers who invoice clients abroad, remote professionals earning income from multiple regions, and businesses maintaining relationships with clients across different countries often require financial infrastructure capable of supporting complex payment flows. VALYGO’s structure seeks to address these needs by providing an operational environment where payments, asset management, and account access can function within a single system. Individuals who frequently interact with both cryptocurrency and traditional financial services may also find value in the platform’s integrated structure. Flexible Account Models for Different Operational Needs Recognizing that users operate at varying scales, VALYGO offers multiple account tiers designed to accommodate different levels of financial activity. This structured approach allows participants to select an account model aligned with their operational requirements. Entry-level access is available for users with more basic needs, while higher-tier accounts provide expanded functionality and may involve participation through the VYO ecosystem component. By offering tiered access, the platform seeks to provide scalability without imposing identical requirements on all participants. VYO Utility Within the Platform Ecosystem Within the VALYGO ecosystem, VYO functions as a utility component connected to platform participation. Its use cases include enabling access to certain account tiers, supporting staking participation, and linking token utility with platform functionality. Rather than existing independently from the platform environment, VYO is designed to operate as part of the broader ecosystem infrastructure, aligning user participation with the system’s operational structure. Transitioning from Development to Active Use With the platform now live, users are able to engage with VALYGO under real operating conditions. The launch represents the transition from development and system design to practical usage. While future updates and improvements may continue as the platform evolves, the current release establishes the foundation for users to interact with a financial environment that brings together digital assets, payment tools, and supported fiat services within a single operational framework. A Unified Operational Layer for Modern Finance VALYGO does not position itself as a traditional bank replacement, a trading platform, or solely a cryptocurrency wallet. Instead, it presents itself as an integrated operational layer intended to connect several financial functions—ranging from crypto access and supported fiat services to payment infrastructure and account management—within one unified environment.

In case Cuba falls, who assumes power? Castro dynasty casts a shadow over the island’s future

(SeaPRwire) -   This week, President Donald Trump indicated that the United States might take action regarding Cuba, sparking fresh questions about what could unfold if mounting pressure leads to a political shift on the island.This warning comes as Cuba grapples with one of its most severe internal crises in decades, with a collapsing economy, widespread power outages, and fuel shortages straining the regime’s ability to govern. The situation has worsened as shipments of subsidized fuel from Venezuela have dwindled, cutting off a critical energy lifeline.However, as pressure builds both from within and outside the island, experts say the central question is not who might replace President Miguel Díaz-Canel—it is that there is no clear successor at all."Cuba’s leadership void stems from a system that has spent decades ensuring no independent leadership can emerge in the first place," Melissa Ford Maldonado, AFPI director of the Western Hemisphere Initiative, told Digital.She added that the regime has "controlled communication, restricted public gatherings, monitored its own people, stifled press freedom, criminalized dissent, and ultimately made a strong opposition force highly improbable.""Who replaces Díaz-Canel is more symbolic than substantive," Sebastián A. Arcos, interim director of the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University, told Digital.Arcos noted that Díaz-Canel "wields very little power," describing him as a figure installed to project a younger image without altering the system."The key individual remains Raúl Castro," he said, referring to the 94-year-old former Cuban leader.Analysts argue this dynamic explains why even a dramatic shift—whether driven by internal collapse or external pressure—may not immediately produce a new leader.Nonetheless, a small group of insiders, technocrats, and opposition figures are viewed as potential players in any transition—though none represent a clear or unified alternative.A figure largely unknown to most Cubans, Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga has quietly risen through the ranks.The 54-year-old electronics engineer serves as deputy prime minister and minister of foreign trade and foreign investment, and is the great-nephew of Fidel and Raúl Castro."He’s part of the family," Arcos said, emphasizing how even emerging figures remain entrenched within the same ruling network.Arcos stated that his rapid ascent makes him one of the more plausible faces of a controlled transition."He might be a capable technocrat… by the standards of the Castro system," he said.But any such move would likely be superficial. "They might remove Díaz-Canel and replace him with someone like Pérez-Oliva… as a gesture… but it changes nothing," Arcos said, explaining it would be a technocratic reshuffle aimed at easing pressure, not reforming the system.Raúl Castro’s son, Alejandro Castro Espín, represents the regime’s security foundation.A longtime intelligence official, he is closely linked to Cuba’s internal security apparatus and the inner circle of power, according to El País.While not publicly positioned as a successor, his influence highlights how power remains concentrated within the Castro family and military-linked elite, which experts say could lead to a hardline continuity scenario centered on security control.Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz remains one of the most visible figures in Cuba’s current leadership.But Arcos noted that Marrero’s tenure is deeply tied to the country’s economic collapse. "He has been in office during this dramatic decline… so he is closely associated with the crisis," he said.Experts cited by El País similarly assess that figures like Marrero are unlikely to represent meaningful change, and that he embodies continuity tied to the current crisis, with little credibility for reform.As a senior Communist Party official, Roberto Morales Ojeda represents the regime’s institutional core. His power lies within the party apparatus, enforcing loyalty and ideological control.Like other insiders, he is seen as part of the continuity model rather than a break from it.While regime insiders dominate succession discussions, opposition figures remain largely outside the island.Rosa María Payá, a prominent activist and founder of Cuba Decide, has emerged as a leading voice for democratic change from exile."The Cuban opposition is organized; we are active both within Cuba and in the diaspora, and we have a specific plan," Rosa María Payá told Digital. "Cubans do not need to be liberated from abroad and given a government. We are prepared to lead. What we require is for the United States and the international community to ensure that when this regime falls, the opposition has a seat at the table.""The first priority is political prisoners and guaranteeing basic civil liberties," she outlined their plan. "They must be released immediately, and this must be a non-negotiable condition of any agreement. The second is dismantling the repressive apparatus… From there, the plan progresses to a transitional government, addressing the humanitarian situation, and establishing a clear timeline for free, internationally monitored elections."Arcos spoke positively about Payá’s role and the broader opposition movement. "They are honorable, respectful, intelligent individuals who want the best for Cuba," he said. "They are not merely seeking power… they are acting out of a sense of duty."Still, analysts caution that the system leaves little room for an opposition-led transition in the near term."The reality is that much of Cuba’s genuine opposition no longer resides on the island," Ford Maldonado said, noting that repression has pushed leadership into exile.Despite speculation about individual names, experts say the real issue is structural."If Raúl dies tomorrow, that could open Pandora’s box," Arcos said, suggesting internal power struggles could emerge.Even then, he warned, the regime is unlikely to relinquish control easily after decades in power."There is likely no genuine path forward that goes through the Castros or the current regime," Ford Maldonado said.For now, Cuba’s succession question remains unresolved—not because there are no potential names, but because the system itself was designed to ensure no true alternative is waiting in the wings. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.

888Africa migrates its Angolan operations to the EveryMatrix platform

(AsiaGameHub) -   888Africa has enhanced its Angolan operations by transitioning to a new platform through a turnkey partnership with EveryMatrix. As part of the deal, the company has moved from its former platform provider to EveryMatrix's core platform for both sports betting and casino gaming services. The operator formerly utilized FSB Technology's platform, which EveryMatrix purchased in 2024. Following a competitive evaluation, 888Africa opted to switch to EveryMatrix's turnkey platform, with the migration finalized last week. While FSB maintained a client base throughout Africa, EveryMatrix has invested heavily in its continental operations, notably by appointing Mark Schmidt as Managing Director for Africa. Sources suggest that 888Africa's decision to adopt EveryMatrix was driven by its expansion into casino offerings, with the platform's solution being described as highly robust. An EveryMatrix spokesperson stated: "The migration was executed progressively, with the Angola launch incorporating specific market requirements such as localization, payment systems, KYC procedures, CRM capabilities, and other regional necessities. Several components were interdependent, making sequential execution crucial." 888Africa maintains a strong presence across multiple established and developing African markets, including Angola, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique,Tanzania and Zambia. Under the leadership of Christopher Coyne, previously an executive at Paddy Power and The Stars Group, the operator aims to secure leading market positions and has strengthened its technological infrastructure to support this objective. In a LinkedIn post, the company's Vice President of Product and Operations Steven McIntosh commented: "Large-scale migrations are extremely challenging. Completing one within 10 weeks makes this achievement particularly remarkable. It involved millions of data points, intricate integrations, compliance requirements, and a cross-functional team working across numerous streams, all culminating in a single launch event. "In reality, this entailed months of planning, hundreds of support tickets, countless development dependencies, numerous edge cases, continuous coordination, and meetings—many meetings. While sleepless nights aren't listed in the project plan, they were certainly part of the process!" Southern African markets have attracted numerous operators in recent years, benefiting from robust regulation and populations familiar with sports betting. Although technology in the region has sometimes been criticized as inadequate, EveryMatrix believes it is driving sector modernization in these rapidly expanding markets. 888Africa anticipates being a primary beneficiary of this technological upgrade. Coyne remarked: "Our focus now is to establish our brand as a market leader in Angola, and that effort begins today. Angola represents a strategic and significant growth market for 888Africa, and we are enthusiastic about the opportunities we can pursue and accomplish there both now and in the coming years." This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

Clockwork.io Launches TorchPass Workload Fault Tolerance to Improve Reliability in Large-Scale AI Training

PALO ALTO, CA – 14/03/2026 – (SeaPRwire) – Clockwork.io has announced the general availability of TorchPass Workload Fault Tolerance, a new capability designed to improve resilience in large-scale artificial intelligence training environments. The software-based solution aims to reduce the operational disruption and financial losses associated with infrastructure failures in distributed GPU clusters. TorchPass is delivered as a core feature within the Clockwork.io FleetIQ platform. The technology applies the company’s Software-Driven AI Fabrics architecture to distributed training workloads, enabling systems to continue operating even when GPU hardware, network links, or cluster nodes encounter failures. By leveraging Live GPU Migration, the platform can transparently shift active training workloads to available resources without requiring job restarts or checkpoint recovery. According to Suresh Vasudevan, the cost of infrastructure interruptions has become a growing challenge for organizations investing heavily in AI computing resources. “Companies are investing billions in next-generation accelerators, yet distributed AI workloads still lose significant productivity due to avoidable infrastructure faults,” Vasudevan said. “TorchPass was designed to address that gap by allowing training workloads to continue operating through failures rather than forcing expensive restarts.” Industry observers have also noted that reliability becomes increasingly difficult as AI clusters scale. Dylan Patel said that maintaining continuity across large GPU deployments is becoming critical as new hardware architectures increase cluster density. “As systems scale to larger compute domains, even minor errors—such as a single GPU failure or a network disruption—can terminate an entire training run,” Patel said. “Technologies like TorchPass help maintain utilization by enabling transparent failover and live workload migration.” Addressing Reliability Challenges in Distributed AI Training Distributed AI training is widely recognized as one of the most complex and failure-prone workloads in modern computing infrastructure. Research conducted by Meta FAIR indicates that the mean time to failure decreases sharply as cluster sizes increase. In clusters with more than a thousand GPUs, interruptions can occur within hours, frequently forcing jobs to restart from checkpoints. These interruptions often result in lost compute time and reduced GPU utilization. When failures occur, training systems typically roll back to the latest saved checkpoint, discarding recent progress and requiring additional time to restore workloads. TorchPass is designed to mitigate these inefficiencies by addressing faults proactively and maintaining workload continuity. By reducing restart events and preserving training progress, the system aims to improve cluster utilization and reduce operational overhead for enterprises and AI cloud providers. Live GPU Migration Enables Continuous Training The key mechanism behind TorchPass is Live GPU Migration, which enables affected training processes to move dynamically to spare resources within the cluster when faults occur. The migration process typically completes in approximately three minutes while the overall training workload continues to operate. TorchPass supports three primary resilience scenarios: Unplanned migration, which responds to unexpected failures such as GPU faults, kernel crashes, or power disruptions Pre-emptive migration, triggered by early warning signals including thermal anomalies or ECC memory errors Planned migration, allowing infrastructure maintenance or workload balancing without interrupting training operations According to the company, this approach can reduce wasted training progress by up to 95 percent in certain environments. Independent Testing Highlights Performance Benefits Independent benchmarking conducted by Jordan Nanos evaluated TorchPass in large-scale training scenarios. Testing involved a GPT-scale training workload using a Kubernetes-based cluster equipped with 64 H200 GPUs. The evaluation measured job completion time and model FLOPs utilization against both traditional checkpoint-restart methods and the open-source fault-tolerance framework TorchFT. The results indicated that TorchPass achieved faster recovery after simulated hardware failures while maintaining higher GPU utilization rates. The benchmark also suggested that by improving fault tolerance, organizations may be able to reduce checkpoint frequency in training pipelines. This can enable larger batch sizes, lower memory pressure, and simplified storage management. Financial Impact for Large AI Clusters For operators managing large GPU deployments, improved reliability can translate into significant cost savings. Clockwork.io estimates that in a typical deployment using 2,048 H200 GPUs, TorchPass could recover more than $6 million in annual compute value by preventing wasted GPU hours caused by restart-driven downtime. These savings primarily result from avoiding repeated training interruptions and eliminating idle recovery periods. By maintaining continuous training progress, organizations may also accelerate the time required to complete large model training runs. Supporting Next-Generation AI Infrastructure Clockwork.io positions TorchPass as part of a broader effort to make reliability a software-defined capability within AI infrastructure. This approach is designed to support emerging high-density systems, including architectures built around GPUs such as the NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 and NVIDIA GB300 NVL72. TorchPass expands on the company’s earlier Network Fault Tolerance capabilities, which address network-level disruptions by rerouting traffic around failing links. Together, these technologies form the foundation of Clockwork.io’s Software-Driven AI Fabric, a vendor-neutral software layer designed to coordinate compute, network, and storage resources across large AI clusters. The goal is to enable operators to run heterogeneous infrastructure as a unified system while maintaining predictable performance and high utilization. Clockwork.io will present TorchPass during the upcoming NVIDIA GTC conference from March 16 to 19. About Clockwork.io Clockwork.io develops Software-Driven AI Fabrics, a programmable software layer designed to improve observability, determinism, and fault tolerance in large-scale AI clusters. Its FleetIQ platform enables enterprises to train and operate complex AI workloads while maintaining high infrastructure utilization. Organizations including Uber, Wells Fargo, Nebius, and Nscale use Clockwork.io technologies to support AI infrastructure operations.

AxiumAI introduces a novel user experience approach for large-scale sporting events

(AsiaGameHub) -   Agentic AI firm AxiumAI has rolled out its conversational interface AxChat for sportsbooks seeking to scale during international sporting events. The tool merges traditional menu-based navigation with direct natural-language interaction, helping players interpret matches, markets and outcomes in real time. Enabling instant transactions, AxChat offers personalized guidance that includes relevant deep-linked bets and a comprehensive overview of live events – a fit sportsbooks may find ideal for this year’s 2026 FIFA World Cup. AxChat displays contextual insights on games, players and competitions, delivering tailored recommendations for pre-match and in-play moments across all bet types. Paired with a bet builder feature, the solution aims to autonomously meet upsell and cross-sell needs. Looking briefly under the hood, AxChat connects conversations directly to the bet slip and user account, enabling one-click bets and providing a one-stop hub for managing bet history, payments, limits and active promotions. Additionally, AxChat is designed to work seamlessly with AxiumAI’s proprietary engagement engine Verso. AxiumAI focuses on building autonomous agent systems for the gambling sector, using real-time intelligence that can be deployed across an operator’s full stack simultaneously to drive efficient decision-making and execution. Sharing more on the newly launched AxChat, Adam Lewis, Chief Executive Officer at AxiumAI, said: “AxChat introduces a new UX paradigm for sportsbooks. The expanded World Cup brings more matches, unfamiliar teams and a surge in global recreational players – meaning traditional navigation alone no longer inspires audiences or supports confident betting decisions. “By letting players ask questions in their own words and receive instant, context-aware answers, AxChat removes friction when intent strikes. It gives players clarity and confidence, while providing operators a powerful, dynamic engagement layer that boosts interaction, deeper market exploration and higher pre-match and in-play NGR – without relying on bonus spending.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

The Best Horror Movie of 2026 Might Already Be Here

NEON(SeaPRwire) -   A well-executed jump scare remains unmatched in its power. While often relied upon by less adept filmmakers as a crutch or employed as a distraction from poor writing, these moments—when crafted precisely and used sparingly—can elevate a decent horror film into one of the year's most terrifying experiences. This perfectly describes Hokum, Damian McCarthy's chilling ghost story that stood out as one of SXSW's finest premieres.The film begins surprisingly in a desert setting, where a conquistador and his young servant traverse brutal sand dunes in pursuit of hidden treasure. Just as their goal appears within reach, their map becomes trapped inside a bottle. While the desperate conquistador considers killing his companion to secure the treasure, the scene abruptly shifts to author Ohm Bauman (Adam Scott) working alone in his dim, vacant home. He's completing the final chapters of his acclaimed "Conquistador Trilogy," the series that established his reputation. Upon finishing, he celebrates with a drink from his almost-empty whiskey glass, only to notice a silhouette on the stairs. He cautiously directs his lamp toward the staircase, revealing... nothing.As quickly as the apparition vanishes, Hokum shifts locations. Bauman checks into a secluded Irish inn where his parents once honeymooned, intending to scatter their remains in the nearby forest. Yet something feels distinctly wrong about this aging, groaning establishment. A peculiar drifter prowls the surrounding woods. A bitter staff member routinely kills stray goats that roam onto the property. Disturbing small statues depicting wide-eyed children and creatures from Irish mythology decorate the premises. And naturally, there's the locked honeymoon suite, rumored to be haunted by a witch.At its core, Hokum functions as a haunted house story. What makes it extraordinary isn't any groundbreaking innovation, but rather its demonstration that a meticulously constructed, traditional ghost narrative can still terrify audiences completely. The film represents McCarthy's successor to his surprise success Oddity, which itself was a masterclass in suspense that confirmed the emerging horror filmmaker's expertise in delivering classic scares.Hokum relies entirely on time-honored horror methods—dark hallways, squeaking doors, and a foreboding wind whistling through vacant corridors. These elements create an intense, pervasive dread as a bellhop glimpses into the lightless honeymoon suite or as Bauman explores a hidden, cobwebbed cellar. Director McCarthy and cinematographer Colm Hogan draw inspiration from atmospheric gothic classics like Jack Clayton's The Innocents to craft the film's cold, somber mood, while also echoing the television work of Mike Flanagan, as seen in McCarthy's earlier film. While Hokum initially seems more aligned with traditional gothic thrillers than the folk or trauma horror it occasionally suggests, its deep roots in Irish folk horror eventually emerge, adding a bold dimension that challenges the "prestigious" reputation trauma horror has acquired.Adam Scott has never been better than as the wretched writer at the center of Hokum. | NEONNevertheless, Hokum does engage with modern horror's fixation on grief: Bauman remains tormented by his mother's tragic death, coping through harassment of his devoted readers and alcohol-induced oblivion. Scott, who has demonstrated his dramatic range in recent Severance episodes, delivers one of his strongest performances as the film's drunken, abrasive author beset by both psychological and tangible terrors. Even as the story plays with Bauman's sympathy, it doesn't hesitate to subject him to cosmic torment, hinting at a diabolical retribution for his transgressions. This unusual blend of gothic horror and supernatural excitement succeeds remarkably well.Delving deeper into Hokum would risk revealing crucial plot points, though one particular sequence matches last year's Weapons in sheer fright and pacing. Following 90 minutes of meticulously constructed dread that saturates every shot, Hokum races toward a climactic conclusion that suggests a significant milestone for this year's horror cinema. It's precisely crafted filmmaking that becomes fully appreciable only after your pulse returns to normal and you regain your composure.Hokum debuted at SXSW on March 14 and arrives in theaters May 1. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.

From SGD to Global Spending: How Singaporeans Can Avoid FX Fees While Travelling Overseas

SINGAPORE, Mar 23, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Travelling overseas is exciting, but foreign exchange (FX) fees can quietly add up and increase your overall trip expenses. Many Singaporeans are now exploring smarter ways to manage overseas spending, and a multi-currency debit card can help reduce unnecessary FX charges while shopping, dining, and booking activities abroad. Whether you are heading to Japan, Australia, Europe, or the US, understanding how FX fees work can help you stretch your Singapore dollars further. Even a 3% fee on a SGD 5,000 trip translates to SGD 150, which could easily cover a nice meal or attraction tickets.When spending overseas, banks typically apply a currency conversion spread and may also charge overseas transaction fees ranging between 2.5% and 3.5%. On top of that, dynamic currency conversion at merchants can add another 4-8% markup. These layered charges might not be obvious at checkout, but they can significantly increase your travel budget.With a bit of planning and the right payment tools, Singaporeans can minimise these costs and enjoy more transparent spending abroad.Understanding Where FX Fees Come FromBefore looking at solutions, it helps to understand how FX fees are structured. Most traditional credit and debit cards issued in Singapore apply a foreign transaction fee when you pay in a currency other than SGD. This fee usually combines the card network's conversion rate and an additional bank administrative charge.For example, if you spend the equivalent of SGD 1,000 in Bangkok or Seoul, a 3% fee adds around SGD 30 to your statement. Over a 10-day trip with shopping and dining expenses of SGD 4,000, total FX charges could reach SGD 120 or more. These amounts may seem small per transaction but can accumulate quickly across hotels, theme parks, transport passes, and shopping malls.How a Multi-Currency Debit Card Can HelpA multi-currency debit card allows users to hold and spend multiple foreign currencies directly from one account. Instead of converting SGD at the point of sale for every purchase, you can preload currencies such as USD, EUR, JPY, or AUD in advance. This setup can help reduce conversion fees and give you more control over exchange rates.For instance, if you are travelling to Japan and expect to spend the equivalent of SGD 3,000, you can convert SGD to JPY when rates are favourable before departure. If the exchange rate improves even by 1%, that difference could mean savings of around SGD 30 on your total spend.Many multi-currency debit cards also offer competitive interbank or near-interbank rates with low or zero foreign transaction fees. While terms vary by provider, this structure may result in lower overall costs compared to traditional cards. Additionally, you can track balances in different currencies via mobile apps, which helps you manage budgets more clearly during travel.Practical Ways Singaporeans Can Reduce FX ChargesBeyond choosing the right card, several practical habits can help minimise FX fees while shopping overseas.Pay in the local currency whenever possibleWhen a payment terminal offers the option to pay in SGD or the local currency, selecting the local currency can help you avoid dynamic currency conversion markups. Merchants may apply rates that are 4-8% higher than market rates when you choose SGD. On a SGD 2,000 shopping bill in Seoul, that difference could translate to an extra SGD 80 or more. Paying in the local currency often results in a more transparent rate from your bank or card provider.Plan large purchases in advanceIf you are considering buying luxury goods in Europe or electronics in Japan, estimating your total spend beforehand can help you prepare accordingly. Planning major purchases can also help you avoid last-minute conversions at less competitive airport rates.Avoid exchanging large sums at airportsAirport money changers often offer less competitive exchange rates compared to city money changers in Singapore or digital FX platforms. The difference might range from 1% to 3%. On SGD 2,000 exchanged at the airport, this gap could mean paying SGD 20 to SGD 60 more than necessary. Using a multi-currency debit card for most transactions can reduce the need to carry large amounts of cash.Monitor overseas ATM withdrawal feesWithdrawing cash overseas may involve both local ATM fees and your bank's overseas withdrawal charges. These combined costs can range between SGD 5 and SGD 15 per withdrawal, excluding FX spreads. Planning fewer, slightly larger withdrawals, or relying more on card payments, can help reduce repeated charges. Some multi-currency debit cards may offer more competitive ATM withdrawal terms, depending on the provider.Comparing Travel Spending OptionsCredit cards may offer travel rewards but often carry foreign transaction fees of around 3%. Using cash helps you to do away with card fees but requires you to exchange money upfront, sometimes at less competitive rates.A multi-currency debit card sits somewhere in between, combining digital convenience with potentially lower FX costs, while offering more flexibility. For frequent travellers visiting destinations like Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Australia, or the US several times a year, this flexibility can make budgeting more predictable.Avoiding FX fees does not require complex strategies. Small adjustments in how you pay, when you convert currency, and which card you use can collectively reduce costs. While exchange rates fluctuate and fees vary across providers, informed decisions can help you minimise hidden charges and make the best of your overseas trips.Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not have any regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author. This article shall not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, solicitation or advice. You may wish to consult your own professional advisers about this article, in particular, a financial professional before making financial decisions. Any past events, trends and/or performance referred to in this article may not necessarily be indicative of future events, trends or performance. This article is based on certain assumptions and reflects prevailing conditions as at the time of publication, which are subject to change at any time without notice. The author and publisher of this article as well as any other parties associated with this article make no representation or warranty of any kind, whether express, implied or statutory, in respect of this article and accept no liability or responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of this article or any error, inaccuracy or omission relating to this article and/or any consequence, injury, loss or damage howsoever suffered by any person relating to this article, in particular, arising from any reliance by any person on this article. Publishers or platforms may be compensated for access to third party websites.Contact Information:Name: Sonakshi MurzeEmail: Sonakshi.murze@iquanti.comJob Title: ManagerSOURCE: iQuanti Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Fujitsu-developed traffic simulation system utilized in Maebashi City’s public transportation planning

KAWASAKI, Japan, Mar 23, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited today announced that its comprehensive traffic simulation system, developed under contract for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)-led regional transportation DX promotion project COMmmmONS, has been adopted for the Maebashi City Regional Public Transportation Plan, published by the local government on March 23, 2026. Analysis carried out by the system is included in the plan as scientific evidence supporting the policy to increase bus routes, one of the plan's key measures.Across municipalities nationwide, addressing the needs of transportation-disadvantaged residents and responding to carbon neutrality in the transportation sector have become urgent challenges, driving the need to advance and modernize public transportation systems.In Maebashi City, challenges such as demographic changes, increasingly diverse mobility needs, and a shortage of bus drivers have emerged. As the city examined optimal bus route reorganization measures under the Maebashi City Regional Public Transportation Plan, it required robust and credible scientific evidence to substantiate the effectiveness of these measures.Fujitsu was selected for the COMmmmONS project in April 2025 and developed a system capable of simulating both fixed-route and demand-responsive transportation, a first for Japan. The utility of the simulation results generated by this system was subsequently recognized, leading to its adoption in Maebashi City's regional public transportation plan.The comprehensive traffic simulation system leverages Fujitsu's social digital twin technology to support the pre-verification of measures by simulating human and social behavior. It utilizes generally available statistical data on resident attributes, movement, and destinations, as well as ridership data obtainable from MaaS apps.1. Evaluation of policy effects through high-precision simulationThe system utilizes unique Fujitsu technologies: artificial population technology, which generates resident data reflecting regional characteristics based on over 10 statistical anonymized datasets including the National Census; a behavioral selection model that uses AI to learn real-world travel data (i.e., travel times, costs for potential routes, residents' ages, car ownership status, etc.) and reproduce the travel mode selection characteristics of local residents; and multi-agent simulation technology, capable of simulating multiple transportation modes with different characteristics. This enables the estimation of detailed resident travel demand and generates simulation results that closely reflect real-world travel conditions, even when actual travel data is insufficient, thereby accurately evaluating the expected effects of policies.2. Streamlining plan formulation and accelerating consensus buildingThe system handles travel demand forecasting and modal split estimation as well as policy consideration and visualization of simulation results. Utilizing this system in regional transportation plan formulation can streamline the process, reducing the time required for consensus building with stakeholders, particularly transportation operators, by approximately 25%. The process previously could take between one and two years when outsourced to consulting firms.3. Support for optimal plan formulation with multi-faceted evaluation indicatorsThe system provides a wide range of evaluation indicators, including usage status and service levels for each transportation mode, ride-sharing rates for demand-responsive transport, and overall project costs for measures. This enables a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of transportation policies on users, operators, and the entire region, supporting the formulation of optimal plans to resolve "transportation deserts" where securing public transportation is difficult, and to realize sustainable regional transportation.Fujitsu plans to commercialize this system as a service by fiscal year 2026, developing it into a standard tool applicable across Japan. It will also promote collaboration with partners engaged in optimizing regional transportation, including local governments, consulting firms, and transportation operators. Through these efforts, Fujitsu aims to support the formulation of regional public transportation plans for local governments across Japan.Fujitsu will continue to train the system using mobility data and other sources to establish it as an AI engine capable of accurately replicating the diverse behaviors of local residents so that it can contribute to urban development and community planning nationwide.Under Uvance, Fujitsu's business model to address societal challenges, it will advance sustainable cities where everyone can live comfortably by enhancing regional transportation through data and AI.About COMmmmONSIn the field of regional transportation, while the adoption of digital technologies such as MaaS and ride-hailing apps is progressing, the siloed development of business models and systems has resulted in a lack of interoperability between services and data. As improving the quality and productivity of transportation services to resolve transportation deserts becomes an urgent issue, a new approach is needed to systematically promote regional transportation DX centered on collaboration and cooperation. The regional transportation DX promotion project "COMmmmONS (Code for Mobility Common Society)" is a new initiative that aims to create and standardize best practices for problem-solving using digital technology across four pillars: services, data, management, and business processes. By horizontally deploying these practices, it seeks to create technological assets that become common property for society.About FujitsuFujitsu's purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsu Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Hitachi Receives the 2026 Catalyst Award, a Global Recognition for Building an Inclusive Organization

TOKYO, Mar 23, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501) announced that it has been named a 2026 Catalyst Award winner , in recognition of its efforts to embed inclusion as a core element of its global management and business strategies.Catalyst is the global nonprofit accelerating organizational performance and progress through workplace inclusion for everyone. The Catalyst Award is the premier global recognition of workplace inclusion initiatives.Through the “Together, We Are Stronger” initiative, Hitachi has driven a more inclusive culture across the organization by advancing inclusive leadership and strengthening talent practices while addressing long-established cultural norms in Japan. Championed by senior leadership, Hitachi’s approach combines global governance with local implementation to accelerate talent opportunities across the company’s diverse markets, while promoting a culture of psychological safety, trust and shared accountability. The initiative focuses on leadership development programs at multiple career stages, transparent talent processes, and company‑wide well‑being efforts that support all employees. Together, these efforts demonstrate how inclusion can drive both organizational performance and innovation, positioning Hitachi as a company committed to delivering social and business impact.Lorena Dellagiovanna, Senior Vice President and Executive Officer, CHRO, Chief Sustainability Officer , Hitachi, Ltd. , said: Inclusion is how we build strong teams and better ideas at Hitachi. When people have fair opportunity to contribute and grow, innovation follows and drives positive social impact. This Catalyst Award affirms the journey we have taken and reinforces our commitment to keep moving forward.For more information about Hitachi Group’s inclusion initiative, please visit: Hitachi Sustainability Report 2025About Catalyst: https://www.catalyst.org/Catalyst Press Release:https://www.catalyst.org/about/newsroom/2026/media-release-2026-catalyst-awardAbout Hitachi, Ltd.Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY 2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783. 3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Results from Real-World, Long-Term Treatment Persistence with LEQEMBI(R) (lecanemab-irmb) in the United States Presented at AD/PD(TM) 2026

TOKYO and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Mar 23, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Inc. announced today that new real‑world findings from an analysis of long‑term treatment persistence and baseline characteristics among people receiving intravenous (IV) lecanemab (generic name, brand name LEQEMBI®), an anti‑amyloid‑β (Aβ) protofibril antibody, showed that most patients continue with ongoing lecanemab therapy after the initial 18 months of treatment. The analysis was presented at the 20th International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases and Related Neurological Disorders (AD/PD™ 2026) in Copenhagen, Denmark, and online.In real‑world clinical practice, patients with chronic diseases who stay on their treatments longer tend to experience better clinical outcomes and higher satisfaction.1,2 Ninety-four percent of patients who completed 18 months of lecanemab treatment in the Phase III Clarity AD chose to continue maintenance treatment by enrolling in the subsequent open-label, long-term extension (OLE) study. In the OLE of Clarity AD study, patients continue to benefit from four years of lecanemab treatment compared with the natural course of Alzheimer’s disease (Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative: ADNI*).Long-Term Persistence and Patient Characteristics for Lecanemab in Real-World Use in the United States (Presentation: March 20, 17:05 CET)This analysis is the first time real-world lecanemab data on treatment persistence beyond 18 months has been reported.This study was a retrospective observational analysis using the PurpleLab® CLEAR Claims database, a comprehensive dataset based on medical insurance claims across the United States and was conducted to evaluate the long‑term treatment persistence of lecanemab in real‑world clinical practice.Patient background and dosing The analysis population consisted of 10,763 individuals who met the requirement for continuous healthcare encounters, out of the 13,388 individuals recorded in the database who received at least one intravenous treatment with lecanemab between January 6, 2023 and November 30, 2025. At baseline, the mean age was 73.8 years and 56.5% were female. The most common comorbidities were dyslipidemia (42.2%) and hypertension (36.9%). The mean follow-up duration was 350.9 days. The average number of administrations was 1.7 per month, and the mean dosing interval was 16.4 days (median 14 days), which was generally consistent with the recommended every two weeks dosing.Long-Term persistence results The time-dependent proportion of patients who remained on lecanemab treatment was evaluated, using the Kaplan–Meier method in a subgroup of 371 patients who initiated treatment in 2023 and had 20 months of continuous follow-up, thereby enabling assessment of long-term treatment persistence beyond 18 months. As a result, 78.4% of individuals continued lecanemab treatment at 18 months, 71.7% at 20 months, and 67.3% at 24 months. Of the 78.4% of patients who remained on lecanemab at 18 months, the majority of them continued treatment during the maintenance period beyond 18 months, confirming a high rate of treatment persistence with lecanemab in real-world clinical practice. The patient characteristics and dosing patterns observed in this claims-based analysis were generally similar to those reported in the Clarity AD. Furthermore, the relatively high treatment adherence observed among individuals suggests that potential delays due to MRI monitoring requirements, adverse events, and other factors did not substantially affect lecanemab dosing.Eisai serves as the lead for lecanemab’s development and regulatory submissions globally with Eisai and Biogen co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority.* ADNI is a clinical research project launched in 2005 to develop methods to predict the onset and progression of AD and to confirm the effectiveness of treatments. The project involves a multi-year longitudinal observation targeting healthy elderly individuals as well as patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early stages of AD.About lecanemab (generic name, brand name: LEQEMBI)Lecanemab is the result of a strategic research alliance between Eisai and BioArctic. It is a humanized immunoglobulin gamma (IgG1) monoclonal antibody directed against aggregated soluble (protofibril) and insoluble forms of amyloid-beta (Aβ).Lecanemab has been approved in 53 countries and regions including Japan, the United States, China, Europe, South Korea, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia, and is under regulatory review in 6 countries. Following the initial phase with treatment every two weeks for 18 months, intravenous (IV) maintenance dosing with treatment every four weeks was approved in 7 countries including the U.S., China, the UK, and others, and applications have been filed in 10 countries and regions. The U.S. FDA approved Eisai’s Biologics License Application (BLA) for subcutaneous maintenance dosing with LEQEMBI IQLIK in August 2025. A Supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for initiation treatment was accepted in January 2026. The sBLA has been granted Priority Review, with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date of May 24, 2026. In November 2025, an application for a subcutaneous injectable formulation in Japan was submitted. In January 2026, the Biologics License Application (BLA) for the subcutaneous formulation was accepted in China. In December 2025, Lecanemab (IV) has been included in the “Commercial Insurance Innovative Drug List”, recently introduced by the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) of China.In the global Phase 3 placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group, randomized Clarity AD core study, the mean change from baseline between the lecanemab treated group and the placebo group after 18 months was -0.45 (P=0.00005) on the primary endpoint of CDR-SB global cognitive and functional scale. To provide context, a change from 0.5 to 1 on the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score domains of Memory, Community Affairs and Home/Hobbies reflects a shift from mild impairment to loss of independence. This can affect a person’s ability to be left alone safely, recall recent events, participate in daily activities, manage household tasks, and engage in hobbies and intellectual interests.3,4Over three years of treatment, including both the core study and the OLE, data showed lecanemab demonstrated a reduction in cognitive decline—measured by CDR-SB—of 1.01 points compared to the expected decline observed in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort. This benefit grew more pronounced after four years, with a reduction of 1.75 points. Similarly, when benchmarked against the expected decline in the BioFINDER** cohort, lecanemab showed a reduction of 1.40 points at three years and an even greater reduction of 2.17 points at the four years mark.Since July 2020 the Phase 3 clinical study (AHEAD 3-45) for individuals with preclinical AD, meaning they are clinically normal and have intermediate or elevated levels of amyloid in their brains, is ongoing. AHEAD 3-45 is conducted as a public-private partnership between the Alzheimer's Clinical Trial Consortium that provides the infrastructure for academic clinical trials in AD and related dementias in the U.S, funded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, Eisai and Biogen. Since January 2022, the Tau NexGen clinical study for Dominantly Inherited AD (DIAD), that is conducted by Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Trials Unit (DIAN-TU), led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is ongoing and includes lecanemab as the backbone anti-amyloid therapy.** BioFINDER subjects are similar to Study 301 and ADNI subjects, except all BioFINDER subjects are in the MCI stage and no mild AD subjects are included, and their baseline CDR-SB is lower. BioFINDER is a largescale, long-term prospective study led by Lund University in Sweden, aiming to establish early. diagnosis and elucidate pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to AD, the study also focuses on conditions including Parkinson's Disease. Individuals participating in the study undergo regular clinical assessments, cognitive function tests, brain imaging (MRI, Aβ PET, Tau PET), and collection of biomarkers from blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).About ProtofibrilsProtofibrils are believed to contribute to the brain injury that occurs with AD and are considered to be the most toxic form of soluble Aβ, having a primary role in the cognitive decline associated with this progressive, debilitating condition.3 Protofibrils cause injury to neurons in the brain, which in turn, can negatively impact cognitive function via multiple mechanisms, not only increasing the development of insoluble Aβ plaques but also increasing direct damage to brain cell membranes and the connections that transmit signals between nerve cells or nerve cells and other cells. It is believed the reduction of protofibrils may prevent the progression of AD by reducing damage to neurons in the brain and cognitive dysfunction.4About the Collaboration between Eisai and Biogen for ADEisai and Biogen have been collaborating on the joint development and commercialization of AD treatments since 2014. Eisai serves as the lead of lecanemab development and regulatory submissions globally with both companies co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority.About the Collaboration between Eisai and BioArctic for ADSince 2005, Eisai and BioArctic have had a long-term collaboration regarding the development and commercialization of AD treatments. Eisai obtained the global rights to study, develop, manufacture and market lecanemab for the treatment of AD pursuant to an agreement with BioArctic in December 2007. The development and commercialization agreement on the antibody lecanemab back-up was signed in May 2015.About Eisai Co., Ltd.Eisai's Corporate Concept is "to give first thought to patients and people in the daily living domain, and to increase the benefits that health care provides." Under this Concept (also known as human health care (hhc) Concept), we aim to effectively achieve social good in the form of relieving anxiety over health and reducing health disparities. With a global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to create and deliver innovative products to target diseases with high unmet medical needs, with a particular focus in our strategic areas of Neurology and Oncology.In addition, we demonstrate our commitment to the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which is a target (3.3) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by working on various activities together with global partners.For more information about Eisai, please visit www.eisai.com (for global headquarters: Eisai Co., Ltd.), and connect with us on X, LinkedIn and Facebook. The website and social media channels are intended for audiences outside of the UK and Europe. For audiences based in the UK and Europe, please visit www.eisai.eu and Eisai EMEA LinkedIn.About BiogenFounded in 1978, Biogen is a leading biotechnology company that pioneers innovative science to deliver new medicines to transform patient’s lives and to create value for shareholders and our communities. We apply deep understanding of human biology and leverage different modalities to advance first-in-class treatments or therapies that deliver superior outcomes. Our approach is to take bold risks, balanced with return on investment to deliver long-term growth.The company routinely posts information that may be important to investors on its website at www.biogen.com. Follow Biogen on social media – Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTubeMEDIA CONTACTSEisai Co., Ltd.Public Relations DepartmentTEL: +81 (0)3-3817-5120Eisai Europe, Ltd.(Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Russia)EMEA Communications Department+44 (0) 7739-600-678EMEA-comms@eisai.netEisai Inc. (U.S.)Libby Holman+1-201-753-1945Libby_Holman@Eisai.comBiogen Inc.Madeleine Shin+1-781-464-3260public.affairs@biogen.comINVESTOR CONTACTSEisai Co., Ltd.Investor Relations DepartmentTEL: +81 (0) 3-3817-5122Biogen Inc.Tim Power+ 1-781-464-2442IR@biogen.comBiogen Safe HarborThis news release contains forward-looking statements, including about the potential clinical effects of lecanemab (marketed as LEQEMBI); the potential benefits, safety and efficacy of lecanemab; potential regulatory discussions, submissions and approvals and the timing thereof including for LEQEMBI (lecanemab) subcutaneous autoinjector (SC-AI); the potential to expand options and reduce healthcare resources by treating Alzheimer's disease at home; the anticipated benefits and potential of Biogen's collaboration arrangements with Eisai; the potential of Biogen's commercial business and pipeline programs, including lecanemab; and risks and uncertainties associated with drug development and commercialization. These forward-looking statements may be accompanied by such words as “aim,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “guidance,” “hope,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “prospect,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” or the negative of these words or other words and terms of similar meaning. Drug development and commercialization involve a high degree of risk, and only a small number of research and development programs result in commercialization of a product. Results in early-stage clinical trials may not be indicative of full results or results from later stage or larger scale clinical trials and do not ensure regulatory approval. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Given their forward-looking nature, these statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties that may be based on inaccurate assumptions and could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements.These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. Given their nature, we cannot assure that any outcome expressed in these forward-looking statements will be realized in whole or in part. We caution that these statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control and could cause future events or results to differ materially from those stated or implied in this document, including, among others, uncertainty of our long-term success in developing, licensing, or acquiring other product candidates or additional indications for existing products; expectations, plans, prospects and timing of actions relating to product approvals, approvals of additional indications for our existing products, sales, pricing, growth, reimbursement and launch of our marketed and pipeline products; the potential impact of increased product competition in the biopharmaceutical and healthcare industry, as well as any other markets in which we compete, including increased competition from new originator therapies, generics, prodrugs and biosimilars of existing products and products approved under abbreviated regulatory pathways; our ability to effectively implement our corporate strategy; difficulties in obtaining and maintaining adequate coverage, pricing, and reimbursement for our products; the drivers for growing our business, including our dependence on collaborators and other third parties for the development, regulatory approval, and commercialization of products and other aspects of our business, which are outside of our full control; risks related to commercialization of biosimilars, which is subject to such risks related to our reliance on third-parties, intellectual property, competitive and market challenges and regulatory compliance; the risk that positive results in a clinical trial may not be replicated in subsequent or confirmatory trials or success in early stage clinical trials may not be predictive of results in later stage or large scale clinical trials or trials in other potential indications; risks associated with clinical trials, including our ability to adequately manage clinical activities, unexpected concerns that may arise from additional data or analysis obtained during clinical trials, regulatory authorities may require additional information or further studies, or may fail to approve or may delay approval of our drug candidates; and the occurrence of adverse safety events, restrictions on use with our products, or product liability claims; and any other risks and uncertainties that are described in other reports we have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.These statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on information and estimates available to us at this time. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. A further list and description of risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, and in our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.Digital Media DisclosureFrom time to time, we have used, or expect in the future to use, our investor relations website (investors.biogen.com), the Biogen LinkedIn account (linkedin.com/company/biogen-) and the Biogen X account (https://x.com/biogen) as a means of disclosing information to the public in a broad, non-exclusionary manner, including for purposes of the SEC’s Regulation Fair Disclosure (Reg FD). Accordingly, investors should monitor our investor relations website and these social media channels in addition to our press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls and websites, as the information posted on them could be material to investors.References(1) Guerci B et al. Lack of treatment persistence and treatment nonadherence as barriers to glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Therapy, 2019; 10(2), 437-449.(2) Menditto E et al. Persistence as a robust indicator of medication adherence-related quality and performance. International journal of environmental research and public health, 2021; 18(9), 4872.(3) Cohen S., et al. J Prev Alzheimers Dis.2022;9(3):507-522.(4) Morris JC. Neurology. 1993;43(11):2412-4.(5) Amin L, Harris DA. Aβ receptors specifically recognize molecular features displayed by fibril ends and neurotoxic oligomers. Nat Commun. 2021; 12:3451. doi:10.1038/s41467-021-23507-z(6) Ono K, Tsuji M. Protofibrils of Amyloid-β are Important Targets of a Disease-Modifying Approach for Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(3):952. doi: 10.3390/ijms21030952. PMID: 32023927; PMCID: PMC7037706. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

SwissChain Holding Digitizes Participation Certificates on Blockchain Infrastructure

EQS via SeaPRwire.com / 23/03/2026 / 10:09 UTC+8 Geneva, Switzerland - March 23, 2026 - (SeaPRwire) - SwissChain Holding SA, a Geneva-based holding company, announced that it has digitized its participation certificates (“Bons de participation”) by recording and transferring ownership on blockchain infrastructure. The initiative applies distributed ledger technology to a traditional Swiss corporate instrument while maintaining established shareholder protections and corporate governance standards. Implemented within the framework of Switzerland’s Distributed Ledger Technology Act (DLT Act / Lex DLT), the tokenized participation certificates retain full legal enforceability under Swiss law. The digital structure is designed to enhance the precision of ownership records, streamline settlement processes, and strengthen overall corporate recordkeeping without altering the underlying principles of Swiss corporate law. SwissChain oversees a network of specialized subsidiaries across key areas of digital finance. While individual subsidiaries are not named, their activities include trading and market-access infrastructure, licensed third-party custody, corporate treasury operations, and technology integration. This model ensures that the tokenized certificates are supported by functional, scalable infrastructure rather than conceptual models. The company also highlighted its Digital Assets Treasury (DAT) as part of its treasury strategy, with less than half of net proceeds allocated to established digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The DAT is not a fund, not an investment product, and not a trading operation. Its purpose is long-term balance-sheet diversification carried out within Swiss accounting standards. SwissChain’s tokenization initiative forms part of a broader movement within Switzerland to integrate blockchain infrastructure into traditional corporate processes. The DLT Act provides companies with a clear legal basis for issuing equity in digital form, allowing administrative functions to modernize without altering the underlying structure of Swiss corporate law. A representative for SwissChain noted that the company’s approach reflects Switzerland’s commitment to combining corporate law with technological innovation in a manner consistent with institutional expectations and regulatory clarity. For institutional inquiries, contact SwissChain Holding SA. About SwissChain Holding SA SwissChain Holding SA is a Swiss holding company that supervises a network of subsidiaries across digital-asset infrastructure.  Media Contact Brand: SwissChain Holding SA Contact: Media team Email: contact@swisschainholding.ch Website: https://www.swisschainholding.ch/ 23/03/2026 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

Trump and Starmer Reach Agreement That the Strait of Hormuz Must Reopen as Middle East Conflict Intensifies

(SeaPRwire) -   On Sunday, President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a discussion regarding the growing conflict in the Middle East, emphasizing the critical requirement to unblock the Strait of Hormuz and resume international maritime trade.According to a statement from Downing Street, the two leaders reviewed the regional situation, specifically highlighting the necessity of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to allow global shipping to continue."Both parties concurred that restoring access to the Strait of Hormuz is vital for the stability of the international energy market. They also planned to hold further talks in the near future."This conversation occurred as regional hostilities intensified, following Iran's closure of the crucial waterway after joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets on February 28.The military engagement prompted a rapid response from Tehran, evolving into a wider regional conflict as Iran launched missile attacks against several neighboring nations not involved in the primary dispute.Trump issued a 48-hour deadline to Iran on March 21, demanding the reopening of the strategic shipping lane, which handles roughly 20% of global oil supplies.Writing on Truth Social, Trump cautioned that a failure to meet these demands would trigger additional U.S. military responses, potentially targeting Iran's energy facilities.The Sunday dialogue between Trump and Starmer may indicate a softening of the previously strained relations between the two heads of state.Trump had earlier criticized the British government, arguing that the U.K. should have been more decisive in permitting the U.S. to utilize British military installations for strikes against Iranian missile positions.Starmer had maintained the position that the use of U.K. facilities was only permissible under the framework of "collective self-defense" within the region.His initial refusal to back the U.S.-Israeli military campaign had drawn consistent disapproval from the White House.Concurrently, Trump appeared to exert public pressure by sharing a "Saturday Night Live" segment on Sunday that ridiculed the Prime Minister's management of the ongoing crisis. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.

US, Israel face threat of a global water crisis as Iran vows to strike key desalination plants in days, UN official warns

(SeaPRwire) -   A United Nations official warned Sunday that Iran is ready to launch strikes on key desalination infrastructure across the Middle East within days, a move that would escalate tensions with the U.S. and Israel and spark widespread global economic disruption. Kaveh Madani, an Iranian scientist and U.N. official, stated that desalination plants throughout the region could be attacked "within the next few days," creating the risk of a wider regional water crisis and impacting global markets. The Iranian regime’s strike threats issued Sunday were made in response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning that the U.S. would target Iranian power infrastructure unless the Strait of Hormuz was reopened within 48 hours. A spokesperson for the Central Headquarters of Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya (PBUH) said, "Following previous warnings, if Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure is attacked by the enemy, all energy, information technology, and desalination infrastructure belonging to the U.S. and the regional regime will be targeted." "Desalination plants could be targeted again within the next few days," Madani told Digital. "The world’s driest region could see a full-blown water war, and the spillover effects on the global economy, including the U.S., will be both immediate and long-lasting," Madani said, noting this marks what he called a "new phase in the conflict" that now involves critical civilian infrastructure. "On top of existing risks, there is the potential for damage to already fragile water infrastructure, including treatment plants, pumping stations, and distribution networks," he said. "The consequences would be catastrophic and enduring." Madani’s warning comes as the conflict, now in its fourth week, has expanded beyond military targets. Desalination facilities, including a plant on Iran’s Qeshm Island and another in Bahrain, have reportedly already been hit. Desalination, the process of turning seawater into drinkable water, is critical to meeting water demand across Israel and many of Iran’s Gulf neighbors, especially in arid regions where natural freshwater is scarce. Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of the Iranian parliament, echoed the regime’s threats in a Sunday post on X, warning that "critical infrastructure, energy, and oil assets across the region will be destroyed irreversibly, and oil prices will remain elevated for a long time" if Iran’s power plants are attacked. "When widespread blackouts happen, water treatment and distribution systems will also collapse in parts of the country," Madani clarified. "Iran will retaliate by attacking desalination, energy, and other energy-related infrastructure in all regional countries that are parties to the war, including Israel," he added. "Oil and gas prices will rise further, the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed, and a humanitarian disaster will unfold as millions of people across the region lose access to water and electricity." "The U.S. has reportedly already attacked a desalination plant on Qeshm Island, and Iran has reportedly responded by striking a plant in Bahrain," he said. "Iran is the least reliant on desalination plants among regional parties, so it is explicitly naming them as legitimate retaliatory targets because this is the biggest vulnerability of the other warring parties across the Middle East," he added. Despite this relative advantage, Iran itself has faced years of severe drought, poor water resource management, and declining groundwater levels, leaving large parts of the country increasingly water-stressed. "If Iranians lose access to water and/or electricity, they will not rise up," said Holly Dagres, Libitzky Family Senior Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. "The unfortunate truth is that the Islamic Republic would rather allow the country to suffer than appear weak while it faces what it sees as an existential threat," she said. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.

Unitree Robotics IPO Ignites Embodied-Intelligence Rally, Shoucheng Holdings (0697.HK) Faces a Dual Catalyst of ‘Investment Realisation+Platform Re-Rating’

HONG KONG, Mar 23, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) -The humanoid robotics sector has reached another milestone. On 20 March, the Shanghai Stock Exchange confirmed that Unitree Robotics Co., Ltd. (operating entity: Hangzhou Yushu Technology Co., Ltd.) has received formal acceptance of its STAR Market IPO application, targeting proceeds of RMB 4.202 billion, with review status recorded as "Accepted". This marks Unitree Robotics' official push to become China's first A-share listed humanoid robot company, and signals that the embodied-intelligence industry is transitioning from a theme-driven narrative phase into a new stage of genuine capital-markets realisation.From publicly disclosed information, this IPO is not purely a concept re-rating event — it rests on a foundation of strong earnings growth and capacity expansion. According to the company's prospectus, Unitree Robotics generated revenue of RMB 1.708 billion in 2025, up 335.36% year-on-year; non-GAAP net profit exceeded RMB 600 million, up 674.29% year-on-year. The public offering involves a minimum of 40,446,434 new shares, representing at least 10% of the total post-IPO share count.For the capital markets, the most important contribution of Unitree Robotics is that it begins to provide a clearer public-market valuation reference for the humanoid-robotics sector. Reports indicate that Unitree's valuation stood at approximately RMB 5 billion in early 2025, rising to approximately RMB 12 billion by June 2025. The prospectus implies an initial post-IPO market capitalisation of at least RMB 42 billion — a dramatic leap from the mid-2025 private-market benchmark. For the capital markets, Unitree's listing trajectory carries a clear signal: humanoid robotics is no longer purely a story of "technological imagination" — it is entering a new phase of revenue, profit, capacity, and capital advancing on all four fronts simultaneously. For the supply chain, this raises the clarity of the sector's valuation anchor; for capital platforms that have invested early in leading robotics companies, it means book values, exit expectations, and business synergies all have room to rise in tandem.Among the beneficiary candidates in this cycle, Shoucheng Holdings Limited (HKEX: 0697.HK) stands out for its rarity value. The company has publicly confirmed that, through the Beijing Robotics Industry Development Investment Fund and its affiliated sub-funds, it has invested in Unitree Robotics, Galbot (Beijing Galaxy General Robot Co., Ltd.; X Square Robot , Noetix Robotics, and other leading enterprises. By Q3 2025, the multiple funds it manages had further completed investments in Unitree Robotics, DEEP Robotics / Hangzhou DEEP Robotics Co., Ltd.), Booster Robotics, Differential Robotics / Differential Robotics Technology Inc.), Wuxi Quanzhibo Technology Co., Ltd., and other core robotics supply-chain companies — covering humanoid robots, aerial robots, and critical upstream components. In short, Shoucheng Holdings is not a single-bet position, but a portfolio-style deployment spanning "leading robot OEMs + upstream critical components + regional fund networks."Crucially, Shoucheng Holdings' edge lies not only in "investing" but also in "post-investment value creation." Both the company's 2025 interim report and Q3 report highlight that it is advancing an integrated "Invest + Operate + Ecosystem" pathway centred on "capital + scenarios + supply chain." It has established Shoucheng Robot Technology Industry Co., Ltd. and Shoucheng Robot Advanced Materials Industry Co., Ltd., expanding into sales agency, leasing, consultancy, supply-chain management, and upstream materials. Simultaneously, the company has deployed permanent robot experience stores and pop-up stores at Shougang Park, Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 3, and Chengdu Chunxi Road, accelerating the transition of robot products from showcase to commercial deployment. For high-volume producers like Unitree Robotics, these venue resources translate into lower trial-and-error costs and faster commercial validation cycles.This is also the core reason why the market treats Shoucheng Holdings as a premier Unitree Robotics proxy: it is not a simple secondary-market "reflection" play, but an ecosystem-type platform that combines capital linkages, application venues, and industrial service capabilities. Once Unitree Robotics' IPO advances smoothly, the first beneficiary will be the market recognition of Shoucheng Holdings' existing robotics investment portfolio. With a marquee portfolio company achieving public listing, external investors will find it far easier to mark-to-market the unlisted robotics assets still held by Shoucheng Holdings.Market analysts observe that, from a valuation standpoint, the Unitree Robotics IPO represents at least three distinct positive catalysts for Shoucheng Holdings.First, the anticipated realisation of investment returns has been significantly enhanced. Shoucheng Holdings holds 3.8262% of Unitree Robotics through the Beijing Robotics Industry Development Investment Fund, placing it among the top ten pre-IPO shareholders. After accounting for dilution from the new share issuance, the post-IPO stake corresponds to approximately 3.44%. Based on an assumed post-IPO market capitalisation of RMB 42 billion, this stake implies a value of approximately RMB 1.446 billion; at market caps of RMB 50 billion and RMB 60 billion, the implied values are approximately RMB 1.722 billion and RMB 2.066 billion respectively. Against the scale of Shoucheng Holdings' net asset base, these figures represent a material incremental contribution and will provide meaningful support to the company's existing valuation framework.Second, the platform-level valuation midpoint has scope to re-rate upward. Shoucheng Holdings is not a traditional single-strategy financial investor. Its core business encompasses infrastructure asset operations on one side, and entry into robotics and intelligent manufacturing through funds and an industrial platform on the other. Once the robotics sector has an established public-market valuation anchor, Shoucheng Holdings' entire robotics investment portfolio stands to be re-valued in aggregate.Third, the acceleration of robotics ecosystem commercialisation opens a genuine second growth curve. In the past, the market valued robotics concept stocks largely at the level of "equity participation income." But Shoucheng Holdings is actively working to transform robotics into a real operating business. The company has disclosed that it is advancing robot deployment across multiple scenarios — offline experience stores, airport environments, cultural-tourism parks, and smart car parks — and is collaborating with industry partners to develop new business formats such as "robotics + automotive." Should Unitree Robotics' brand recognition and fundraising capacity strengthen further post-IPO, Shoucheng Holdings could expand beyond "investment gains" to capture diversified value streams including operating profit-sharing, channel services, scenario services, and supply-chain coordination. At that point, the market's analytical framework for Shoucheng Holdings would graduate from "Unitree Robotics proxy" to "robotics ecosystem infrastructure platform."In addition, Shoucheng Holdings' financial structure provides a robust margin of safety for any valuation recovery. The company reported profit attributable to shareholders of HKD 410 million in 2024. Equity attributable to owners of the company stood at HKD 9.421 billion at end-2024. The gearing ratio declined from 15.9% at end-2024 to 10.9% by Q3 2025. In respect of the 2024 financial year, the company declared final dividend and special dividend totalling HKD 888 million, and together with the interim dividend of HKD 208 million, full-year distributions reached HKD 1.096 billion — exceeding 200% of the year's attributable profit. This combination of strong dividend commitment, low financial leverage, and sustained earnings power positions the stock favourably for capital flows seeking both "growth" and "income" attributes simultaneously.Taken as a whole, the formal advancement of the Unitree Robotics IPO process represents one of the most consequential capital-markets events of 2026 for the embodied-intelligence industry. It not only raises the capital-markets certainty for leading robotics companies, but also opens a valuation re-rating window for ecosystem-type platforms like Shoucheng Holdings Limited. As the logic of "flagship project listing → investment return realisation → industrial scenario expansion → platform valuation uplift" progressively unfolds, Shoucheng Holdings is well-positioned to emerge as one of the core beneficiaries of this robotics market cycle — a company that simultaneously offers a meaningful margin of safety and meaningful upside optionality. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com